How Do You Spell XANTHINOXIDASE?

1. Xanthinoxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of xanthine to uric acid, an end product of the purine metabolism pathway. Specifically, it facilitates the conversion of xanthine into urate by introducing molecular oxygen (O2) into the reaction. This enzyme is part of the broader class of oxidoreductases, which are enzymes involved in redox reactions.

   Xanthinoxidase plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of purine metabolism in humans and other organisms. By converting xanthine into uric acid, it contributes to the elimination of excess purines from the body. Purine metabolism is a vital process in the body's overall nucleotide synthesis and energy regulation.

   The activity of xanthinoxidase is especially relevant in relation to conditions such as gout, a form of arthritis characterized by the deposition of urate crystals in joints and soft tissues. If the enzyme is excessively active or there is an impairment in its regulation, the production of uric acid can increase, leading to high urate levels and the development of gout.

   In addition to its physiological significance, xanthinoxidase is also of interest in the field of biochemistry. Researchers studying the enzyme aim to understand its catalytic mechanism, structure, and regulation to find potential therapeutic targets for diseases associated with abnormal purine metabolism.

2. An oxidase which converts xanthin and hypoxanthin to uric acid.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for XANTHINOXIDASE

The word "xanthinoxidase" is a combination of two components: "xanthin" and "oxidase".

1. Xanthin: The term "xanthin" comes from the Greek word "xanthos", meaning "yellow". It is derived from "xanthos" because xanthin compounds have a yellow color. Xanthin itself refers to a nitrogenous compound that occurs as a crystalline product of purine metabolism in animals and is also found in certain plants.

2. Oxidase: The term "oxidase" is derived from the word "oxidation". It comes from the Latin word "oxidare", meaning "to oxidize". An oxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the process of oxidation, which involves the transfer of electrons or removal of hydrogen from a substrate.