oxygenase

[ ok-si-juh-neys, -neyz ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an oxidoreductase enzyme that catalyzes the introduction of molecular oxygen into an organic substance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxygenase¹

First recorded in 1900–05; oxygen + -ase

Example Sentences

The gene beta-carotene oxygenase 1 is responsible for carotenoid metabolism and most likely explains flesh color variation in salmon.

From Salon

To compensate, the body makes more of the heme oxygenase-1 enzyme, leading to more carbon monoxide production.

From US News

Although the study carefully teases apart the mechanism, researchers don’t know how well heme oxygenase-1 works against malaria in people.

From US News

People have genetic variants that control production of the heme oxygenase-1 enzyme, so some people with the sickle-cell mutation may not make as much of the enzyme as others do.

From US News