What does the term "dehydrogenase" refer to in metabolic pathways?

What does the term "dehydrogenase" refer to in metabolic pathways?

• A. An enzyme that adds phosphate groups
• B. An enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen
• C. An enzyme that facilitates the addition of oxygen
• D. An enzyme that causes the buildup of energy

Answer: (B)

The term "dehydrogenase" specifically refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen from a substrate, which is a crucial function in various metabolic pathways. Dehydrogenases typically facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions, where the removal of hydrogen atoms corresponds with the oxidation of a molecule. For instance, in cellular respiration, dehydrogenases play a key role in the catabolism of fuels by transferring electrons from fuel molecules to electron carriers like NAD+ and FAD, ultimately leading to energy production. Understanding this function is important in the context of metabolic pathways because the removal of hydrogen is not only about the loss of an atom but is also tied to the movement of electrons, which is essential for ATP production. Thus, the action of dehydrogenases is foundational in processes such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation, all of which are involved in energy metabolism. This highlights the significance of hydrogen removal in the intricate web of metabolic reactions that support cellular function and energy availability.

The term "dehydrogenase" specifically refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen from a substrate, which is a crucial function in various metabolic pathways. Dehydrogenases typically facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions, where the removal of hydrogen atoms corresponds with the oxidation of a molecule. For instance, in cellular respiration, dehydrogenases play a key role in the catabolism of fuels by transferring electrons from fuel molecules to electron carriers like NAD+ and FAD, ultimately leading to energy production.

Understanding this function is important in the context of metabolic pathways because the removal of hydrogen is not only about the loss of an atom but is also tied to the movement of electrons, which is essential for ATP production. Thus, the action of dehydrogenases is foundational in processes such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation, all of which are involved in energy metabolism. This highlights the significance of hydrogen removal in the intricate web of metabolic reactions that support cellular function and energy availability.