How Do You Spell ESTERASE?

1. Esterase is defined as a group of enzymes that belong to the hydrolase family, responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis (or breakdown) of ester bonds. Ester bonds are chemical bonds formed between the oxygen atom of a carboxylic acid and the oxygen atom of an alcohol, resulting in the formation of an ester. Esterases play a crucial role in various biological processes, as they are involved in the metabolism of esters in living organisms.

   These enzymes are found in various tissues and cells throughout the body, including organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. They are also present in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Esterases have diverse functions, including the regulation of cellular activities, the breakdown and elimination of toxic compounds, and the activation or deactivation of certain drugs.

   The catalytic activity of esterases is highly specific to the type of ester being hydrolyzed. They can cleave ester bonds through two main mechanisms: carboxylic esterases, which act on esters with carboxylic acid groups, and cholinesterases, which target esters containing choline groups. Esterases are typically classified based on their substrate specificity and mechanism of action.

   In summary, esterases are a class of enzymes that play a vital role in the breakdown of esters, which are important molecules in biological systems. They have widespread presence and diverse functions in various organisms, serving as crucial components in the metabolism and regulation of different compounds.

2. A ferment which causes a dissociation of esters in the serum or tissues.

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

Common Misspellings for ESTERASE

The word "esterase" is derived from the combination of two parts: "ester" and "-ase".

The term "ester" dates back to the mid-19th century and is derived from the Latin word "esters", which means "wax". It refers to a class of organic compounds that are derived from acids by replacing the acidic hydrogen with an alkyl or other organic group.sters are commonly used in the production of fragrances, flavorings, solvents, and plastics.

The suffix "-ase" is derived from the Greek word "-asis", which means "action" or "process of". It is commonly used in biology and biochemistry to denote an enzyme or a protein that acts as a catalyst in a biochemical reaction.

Therefore, when combined, "esterase" refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis or breakdown of ester bonds in esters, converting them into their respective components.

Plural form of ESTERASE is ESTERASES