What does hydroxylase mean?
A hydroxylase is an enzyme that catalyzes hydroxylation, a chemical reaction in which a hydroxyl group (–OH) is added to a molecule. This process can make substances more soluble, alter their biological activity, or prepare them for later reactions. Hydroxylases occur in plants, animals, and microorganisms, and some are important targets in medicine. For example, enzymes in the cytochrome P450 system help the liver metabolize many drugs, while prolyl and tyrosine hydroxylases participate in collagen formation and the production of neurotransmitters. The word is chiefly used in biochemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology, often in the names of specific enzymes, such as “prolyl hydroxylase” and “tyrosine hydroxylase.” Understanding these enzymes is useful because changes in their activity can affect metabolism, gene regulation, tissue development, and responses to treatment.
nounAn enzyme that catalyzes hydroxylation, adding a hydroxyl group to a molecular structure. Such enzymes are important in biological and chemical processes, including the metabolism of drugs and the synthesis of hormones.
- An enzyme that catalyzes the addition of a hydroxyl group to a molecule.
"The researchers studied a hydroxylase involved in the production of steroid hormones."
"The hydroxylase enzyme converts one molecular form into another by adding an –OH group."
"Changes in the activity of a liver hydroxylase can alter how the body processes certain drugs."
The plural is used when referring to hydroxylases as a class, to several distinct enzymes, or to multiple forms of the same enzyme.
"Several hepatic hydroxylases contribute to the metabolism of different drugs."
Hydroxylases help regulate everything from oxygen levels in the blood to the strength of your bones—and can determine how quickly your body clears a medication.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hydroxylase
Hydroxylase was formed in the 20th century by combining “hydroxyl,” the group –OH, with the suffix “-ase,” which is used to denote enzymes. The “hydroxyl” element combines “hydro-,” from Greek hydor meaning “water,” with “ox(y)-,” from Greek oxys meaning “sharp” or “acidic,” while the suffix ultimately comes from Greek diastasis, meaning “separation” or “setting.” The word therefore literally identifies an enzyme associated with introducing a hydroxyl group.
How hydroxylase is actually used
Hydroxylase is primarily a technical term used in biochemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology. It usually appears with the name of the substrate or biochemical pathway involved.
Easily confused with hydroxylase
A hydroxylase is the enzyme that introduces a hydroxyl group, whereas a hydroxyl group is the –OH chemical group itself.
A hydroxide is a compound containing the hydroxide ion, OH⁻, while a hydroxylase is an enzyme that attaches a hydroxyl group during a biochemical reaction.