Final answer:
The enzyme responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandin is cyclooxygenase, namely COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are key in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which have various physiological roles, and are targeted by NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme that changes arachidonic acid to prostaglandin is cyclooxygenase (COX), which includes COX-1 and COX-2. This enzyme starts the synthesis process by converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandin G2 (PGG2) and subsequently to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), which then serves as a precursor to other prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins derived from arachidonic acid play a critical role in many physiological processes, including inflammation, pain modulation, regulation of blood pressure, and control of fever and immune function. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin and ibuprofen, work by inhibiting COX enzymes and thereby reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins, leading to diminished inflammation and pain.