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Conjugation

Meaning

In the context of metabolism and hormonal health, conjugation is a critical biochemical process where the body attaches a small, polar molecule to a larger, less water-soluble compound, such as a steroid hormone or a toxin. This chemical modification, primarily occurring in the liver, significantly increases the compound’s water solubility. The enhanced solubility facilitates the efficient excretion of the modified molecule via bile or urine. This detoxification pathway is essential for regulating circulating hormone levels and eliminating metabolic waste products from the body.