MICROSOMES Meaning and
Definition
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Microsomes are subcellular structures found in cells, especially in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), that play a critical role in a variety of cellular processes. They are small vesicles formed from the ER membrane, resulting from the fragmentation of the ER during cell fractionation.
Microsomes are enriched with various enzymes and proteins involved in the metabolism of lipids and drugs, as well as the synthesis of proteins. They are particularly rich in cytochrome P450, a superfamily of enzymes responsible for metabolizing a wide range of xenobiotics, including drugs and environmental toxins.
These subcellular structures serve as important tools in biochemical and pharmacological research. Microsomes can be isolated and purified from cells, providing a controlled experimental environment to study enzymatic reactions and drug metabolism. Their isolated nature allows scientists to investigate the specific functions and characteristics of different enzymes and proteins contained within them.
Additionally, microsomes are employed in drug discovery and development processes. They are utilized to screen compounds and assess their potential metabolic fate in order to evaluate their pharmacokinetic properties.
In summary, microsomes are small vesicles found in the endoplasmic reticulum that contain essential enzymes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism and drug detoxification. They serve as vital research tools to study the functions of these components and are utilized in drug discovery processes.
Common Misspellings for MICROSOMES
Etymology of MICROSOMES
The word "microsomes" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "mikrós" meaning "small" and "sōma" meaning "body". In the context of biology, microsomes refer to small bodies or structures within a cell that have a distinct shape and function.
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