INVERTIN Meaning and
Definition
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Invertin is an enzyme that belongs to the class of hydrolases, specifically glycosidases. It is commonly found in plants and some microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast. Invertin plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, particularly sucrose.
The primary function of invertin is to catalyze the hydrolysis of sucrose into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose, and fructose. This process is known as inversion because it "inverts" the original molecular structure of sucrose. The enzyme achieves this by breaking the glycosidic bond that holds the glucose and fructose molecules together.
Invertin is essential for many physiological processes in plants. For instance, it serves as a source of energy by breaking down sucrose into simpler sugars that the plant can utilize for growth and development. In addition, invertin is crucial for the reproductive cycle of plants, as it aids in the breakdown of sucrose into accessible sugars required for seed development and fruit formation.
The industrial applications of invertin are significant. Its ability to cleave sucrose into glucose and fructose makes it a valuable tool in the production of invert sugar, which finds use in various food products like confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. Invertin is also employed in the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of certain drugs and in the production of high fructose corn syrup.
In summary, invertin is a key enzyme that facilitates the hydrolysis of sucrose, contributing to various biological processes in plants and offering diverse applications in the industrial sector.
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A ferment produced by yeast which converts cane-sugar into invert-sugar.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INVERTIN
- unvertin
- jnvertin
- knvertin
- onvertin
- 9nvertin
- 8nvertin
- ibvertin
- imvertin
- ijvertin
- ihvertin
- inbertin
- ingertin
- infertin
- invwrtin
- invsrtin
- invdrtin
- invrrtin
- inv4rtin
- inv3rtin
Etymology of INVERTIN
The etymology of the word "invertin" can be traced back to the late 19th century. It is derived from the Latin term "invertere", which means "to turn upside down". Invertin refers to a specific enzyme present in the digestive system of animals, especially insects, that helps break down sucrose into simpler sugars. The term "invertin" was coined to denote this enzyme's ability to convert or invert sucrose into its components, fructose and glucose.
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