phosphoric diester hydrolase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the hydrolysis of a phosphodiester to give a phosphomonoester and a free hydroxyl group. [EC:3.1.4.-]

Phosphoric diester hydrolase activity refers to the enzymatic hydrolysis of a phosphoric diester bond. This is a fundamental process in many cellular pathways, playing a crucial role in:

- **Nucleic acid metabolism:** Phosphoric diester hydrolases are involved in the breakdown of DNA and RNA, facilitating replication, transcription, and repair. They cleave the phosphodiester bonds linking nucleotides, releasing individual nucleotides or oligonucleotides.
- **Signal transduction:** Many signaling molecules, such as cyclic AMP (cAMP), are generated by phosphoric diester hydrolases. These molecules act as second messengers, transmitting signals within cells and activating downstream pathways.
- **Lipid metabolism:** Phospholipases, a class of phosphoric diester hydrolases, hydrolyze phospholipids in cell membranes, releasing signaling molecules and modifying membrane structure.
- **Carbohydrate metabolism:** Certain phosphoric diester hydrolases play a role in the breakdown of sugar phosphates, releasing inorganic phosphate and facilitating energy production.

The catalytic mechanism typically involves the formation of a transient covalent intermediate between the enzyme and the substrate, followed by hydrolysis of the intermediate. The reaction requires a nucleophile, usually a water molecule, to attack the phosphorus atom of the phosphodiester bond.

The activity of phosphoric diester hydrolases is highly specific, with different enzymes targeting specific substrates. This specificity arises from the structure of the active site, which recognizes and binds to the substrate molecule, facilitating the hydrolysis reaction.

Mutations or dysregulation of phosphoric diester hydrolases can lead to various diseases, affecting processes like DNA replication, cell signaling, and lipid metabolism.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (19)