Question

What step in drug metabolism do the cytochromes p450 perform?

A Addition of a sugar group
B Addition of an acetyl group
C Addition of a polar group
D Removal of an acetyl group
E Removal of a polar group

Answer 1

Cytochromes P450 are involved in the first phase of drug metabolism, where they enhance the drug's solubility by adding a polar group, assisting in its subsequent excretion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cytochromes P450 perform a crucial function in drug metabolism by adding a polar group to the substance being metabolized. This addition usually involves the insertion of an oxygen atom into the chemical structure of the drug, which increases its solubility in water and facilitates its excretion from the body. The introduction of a polar group is a part of the phase I metabolism, which makes the drug molecule more polar and, therefore, more easily excretable.