Desmolase Explained

A desmolase is any of various enzymes that catalyze the formation or destruction of carbon-carbon bonds within a molecule. These enzymes play a significant role in cellular respiration and in fermentation.^[1] Desmolases are involved in steroidogenesis. Examples of desmolases are:

• Cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, also called 20,22-desmolase; converts cholesterol to pregnenolone.
• 17,20-Desmolase, also called CYP17A1 or 17α-hydroxylase; converts pregnenolone to 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone to 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and corticosterone to aldosterone.
• Diacetyl desmolase is added to beer late in the brewing process to remove diacetyl flavor that may have accumulated during processing.^[2]

See also

• Steroidogenic enzyme

Notes and References

1. Wallerstein, Leo. 1939. Enzyme Preparations from Microorganisms: Commercial Production and Industrial Application. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry. 31. 10. 1218–1224. 10.1021/ie50358a012.
2. Book: Gutcho, Marcia Halpern. 1969. Alcoholic Malt Beverages, 1969. Food Processing Reviews #7. Park Ridge, New Jersey. Noyes Development Corporation. 221. 978-0-8155-0282-1.