dehydrogenase
LowTechnical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
An enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen atoms from a substrate molecule, often in oxidation reactions.
Any of a large class of enzymes, often named by their substrate (e.g., alcohol dehydrogenase), that are critical in metabolic pathways such as cellular respiration and fermentation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used in biochemistry and related fields; forms compound nouns with the substrate name (e.g., 'lactate dehydrogenase').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Minor spelling variations (e.g., British 'catalyse' vs. American 'catalyze') do not typically apply to the enzyme name itself.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in everyday speech, but common in academic and technical contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Substrate] + dehydrogenase (compound noun)Dehydrogenase + of + [substrate]Dehydrogenase + activity/assayVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used, except in highly specialized biotech or pharmaceutical contexts.
Academic
Common in biochemistry, molecular biology, and medical textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; unlikely to be encountered outside scientific education or media.
Technical
The primary register; standard terminology in laboratory reports, scientific protocols, and technical specifications.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Dehydrogenase is an enzyme found in our cells.
- Alcohol dehydrogenase helps the body process alcohol.
- The activity of lactate dehydrogenase is often measured as a marker for tissue damage.
- Researchers identified a novel dehydrogenase in the bacterial metabolic pathway.
- The kinetic parameters of the mutant dehydrogenase were significantly altered, suggesting a role for that residue in substrate binding.
- Deficiencies in specific dehydrogenases can lead to inborn errors of metabolism, such as maple syrup urine disease.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'De-hydro-gen-ase' – an enzyme (ase) that removes (de) hydrogen (hydro) from a molecule.
Conceptual Metaphor
A molecular scissors for cutting hydrogen atoms.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: direct translation 'дегидрогеназа' is correct, but pronunciation differs. Ensure stress is on the correct syllable (e.g., in Russian, often on 'ге').
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'dehydrogenise', 'dehydrogenaze', 'dehydroginase'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable ('DEE-hydrogenase') or mispronouncing the '-ase' ending.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a dehydrogenase enzyme?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is exclusively a noun in modern usage, referring to a class of enzymes.
It is highly unlikely unless discussing biochemistry, medicine, or related scientific topics.
The most common American pronunciation is /diˈhaɪ.drə.dʒə.neɪs/, with stress on the second syllable.
Dehydrogenases typically remove hydrogen (often in oxidation), while reductases add hydrogen or electrons (reduction).