Oxygenases

Abstract

Oxygenases are a group of new type of respiratory enzymes which were characterized about 10 years ago. They catalyze activation and incorporation of molecular oxygen into various substrates and play important roles in medicine. In the first part of my talk, a brief comment will be made concerning the historical background and the role of these enzymes in respiration. The second part will deal with the mechanism of action of these enzymes and some of their properties which have been investigated with crystalline oxygenases. The third part will consider the clinical implication of oxygenases.