Pyrophosphatase (or inorganic pyrophosphatase) is an enzyme (EC 3.6.1.1) that catalyzes the conversion of one molecule of pyrophosphate to two phosphate ions. This is a highly exergonic reaction, and therefore can be coupled to unfavorable biochemical transformations in order to drive these transformations to completion. The functionality of this enzyme plays a critical role in lipid metabolism (including lipid synthesis and degradation), calcium absorption and bone formation, and DNA synthesis, as well as other biochemical transformations.
Read more about Inorganic Pyrophosphatase: Structure, Mechanism, Biological Function and Significance, Evolution
Famous quotes containing the word inorganic:
“Man, unlike anything organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments.”
—John Steinbeck (1902–1968)