How Do You Spell ARGININOSUCCINATE SYNTHASE?

1. Argininosuccinate synthase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the urea cycle, a biochemical pathway responsible for the removal of toxic ammonia from the body. This enzyme, also known as ASS, is involved in the catalysis of the formation of argininosuccinate, an intermediate compound in the urea cycle.

   Argininosuccinate synthase is found in various tissues, most abundantly in the liver, where most of the urea cycle takes place. Its primary function is to combine the amino acid citrulline and the molecule aspartate to form argininosuccinate. This reaction occurs in the mitochondria, a specialized organelle within cells, and is the fourth step in the urea cycle.

   The formation of argininosuccinate by argininosuccinate synthase is a vital step in the excretion of ammonia. Argininosuccinate is then further processed to produce arginine, which is eventually converted to urea, a non-toxic compound, by other enzymes in the urea cycle. This overall process ensures that ammonia, a waste product of protein metabolism, is safely eliminated from the body.

   Mutations or deficiencies in the argininosuccinate synthase enzyme can lead to arginosuccinic aciduria, a rare metabolic disorder characterized by the accumulation of argininosuccinate and ammonia in the blood and tissues. This condition can cause serious health issues, including neurological problems and liver dysfunction.

   In summary, argininosuccinate synthase is an essential enzyme involved in the urea cycle, responsible for the synthesis of argininosuccinate and subsequent removal of toxic ammonia from the body.

Common Misspellings for ARGININOSUCCINATE SYNTHASE

The word "Argininosuccinate Synthase" has a Greek and Latin etymology.

"Argininosuccinate" comes from the Greek words "argininḗ" (ἀργινινή) meaning "of arginine" and "sýngkeratós" (σύγκερατός) meaning "compound, mixture". Amino acid "arginine" is involved in the synthesis of argininosuccinate.

"Synthase" is derived from the Latin word "synthesis", which itself comes from the Greek word "sýnthesis" (σύνθεσις) meaning "composition, combining". In biology and biochemistry, "synthase" is used to describe enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of complex molecules.