halogenated hydrocarbon metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving halogenated hydrocarbons, compounds derived from hydrocarbons by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with halogen atoms. Halogens include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. [GOC:ai, GOC:krc]

Halogenated hydrocarbon metabolic process involves the enzymatic transformation of organic compounds containing halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine). This process is crucial for the biodegradation and detoxification of various halogenated hydrocarbons that can be found in the environment, including industrial byproducts, pesticides, and pollutants. The enzymes responsible for these reactions vary depending on the specific halogen and the structure of the hydrocarbon.

**Key Steps in Halogenated Hydrocarbon Metabolism:**

* **Hydroxylation:** Initial oxidation of the hydrocarbon molecule by enzymes like cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, introducing a hydroxyl group. This step increases the molecule's polarity, making it more susceptible to further degradation.
* **Dehalogenation:** Removal of halogen atoms from the molecule, which can occur through various enzymatic reactions, including reductive dehalogenation and oxidative dehalogenation.
* **Conjugation:** Attachment of polar functional groups, such as glucuronic acid or glutathione, to the halogenated compound, further increasing its water solubility and promoting its excretion.

**Examples of Halogenated Hydrocarbon Metabolic Pathways:**

* **Metabolism of Chlorinated Aliphatics:** Compounds like trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene undergo hydroxylation and dehalogenation reactions, ultimately leading to their conversion to less toxic products.
* **Metabolism of Chlorinated Aromatics:** Compounds like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are metabolized through a series of oxidation and dechlorination reactions, resulting in the production of water-soluble metabolites that can be excreted.
* **Metabolism of Brominated Flame Retardants:** Compounds like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are subject to hydroxylation, dehalogenation, and conjugation reactions, aiming to reduce their toxicity and facilitate their elimination from the body.

**Significance:**

* **Environmental Remediation:** Microorganisms with the ability to degrade halogenated hydrocarbons play a vital role in cleaning up contaminated environments.
* **Human Health:** Understanding halogenated hydrocarbon metabolism is crucial for assessing their toxicological effects and developing strategies to mitigate their potential health risks.
* **Industrial Applications:** Metabolic pathways involving halogenated hydrocarbons are utilized in various industrial processes, such as the production of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (25)