ASPARAGINE SYNTHETASE Meaning and
Definition
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Asparagine synthetase is an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of the amino acid asparagine in living organisms. Asparagine serves as a vital building block for the synthesis of proteins and is involved in various cellular functions.
The enzyme asparagine synthetase plays a crucial role in the nitrogen metabolism of both plants and animals. In the process of protein synthesis, asparagine is often required in significant amounts, especially during cellular growth and development. This enzyme facilitates the conversion of aspartate, an amino acid, into asparagine by incorporating an amide group derived from glutamine. The reaction is driven by the hydrolysis of ATP, which provides the necessary energy for the process.
In humans, asparagine synthetase is expressed in various tissues and organs, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. Its activity is tightly regulated to ensure optimal levels of asparagine are produced. Mutations or alterations in the coding gene for asparagine synthetase can lead to deficiencies in asparagine production and disturb cellular functions, potentially resulting in various disorders.
Asparagine synthetase is also of significant interest in cancer research. Some tumor cells have been found to exhibit high levels of asparagine synthetase and rely heavily on it for survival and growth. Targeting this enzyme has been explored as a potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Asparaginase, a drug used in cancer treatment, works by degrading asparagine and depriving cancer cells of this amino acid, thereby inhibiting their growth.
Common Misspellings for ASPARAGINE SYNTHETASE
- zsparagine synthetase
- ssparagine synthetase
- wsparagine synthetase
- qsparagine synthetase
- aaparagine synthetase
- azparagine synthetase
- axparagine synthetase
- adparagine synthetase
- aeparagine synthetase
- awparagine synthetase
- asoaragine synthetase
- aslaragine synthetase
- as-aragine synthetase
- as0aragine synthetase
- aspzragine synthetase
- aspsragine synthetase
- aspwragine synthetase
- aspqragine synthetase
- aspaeagine synthetase
- aspadagine synthetase
Etymology of ASPARAGINE SYNTHETASE
The word "Asparagine" has its origins in the Latin "asparagus", which means "sparrow grass". The name is believed to have been given because the plant was thought to be similar to the shape of a bird's claw. "Synthetase" is derived from the Greek word "synthetikos", meaning "putting together" or "combining". It is used to describe an enzyme or protein that synthesizes or combines molecules. Therefore, "Asparagine Synthetase" refers to an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of the amino acid asparagine.
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