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cytochrome
noun
cy·to·chrome
ˈsī-tə-ˌkrōm
: any of several intracellular hemoprotein respiratory pigments that are enzymes functioning in electron transport as carriers of electrons
Examples of cytochrome in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Metoprolol, but not atenolol, is broken down by a liver enzyme called cytochrome P450 2D6.
—Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024
But for some reason, the nematode version of cytochrome P450 instead turns selectivin into a toxic chemical.
—Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 25 May 2023
Myoglobin binds and stores oxygen from the then passes it along to a fat-oxidizing cytochrome that generates ATP to fuel the cell.
—Mai Nguyen, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2015
In addition to producing cytochrome P450 enzymes, the liver is one of the major organs that create special proteins called cytokines and interferons that participate in the immune response.
—C. Michael White, The Conversation, 4 Oct. 2021
Inflammation from a new infection or chronic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis could also impair how well enzymes like cytochrome P450 can metabolize drugs.
—C. Michael White, The Conversation, 4 Oct. 2021
These images showed the component parts of cytochrome b6f down to the level of individual molecules.
—Emily Willingham, Scientific American, 13 Nov. 2019
Individual cytochromes are important for moving electrons around inside cells.
—New York Times, 1 July 2019
This is how researchers can look at the koala genome and see how the species is genetically supercharged to digest a plant that’s poisonous to other mammals, namely the cytochrome P450 gene family.
—Matt Simon, WIRED, 2 July 2018
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Word History
First Known Use
1925, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing cytochrome
Dictionary Entries Near cytochrome
Cite this Entry
“Cytochrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytochrome. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
cytochrome
noun
cy·to·chrome
ˈsīt-ə-ˌkrōm
: any of several iron-containing pigments that transfer electrons to molecules of oxygen in the living cell
Medical Definition
cytochrome
noun
cy·to·chrome
ˈsīt-ə-ˌkrōm
: any of several intracellular hemoprotein respiratory pigments that are enzymes functioning in electron transport as carriers of electrons
More from Merriam-Webster on cytochrome
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cytochrome
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