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Hydroxylation Pathways

Meaning

A critical set of biochemical reactions, primarily catalyzed by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, that involve the addition of a hydroxyl (-OH) group to an organic compound, often a steroid hormone or drug. These pathways are central to both the synthesis of biologically active hormones, such as the conversion of cholesterol to various steroid precursors, and the detoxification and clearance of spent hormones and xenobiotics. The specific position of the added hydroxyl group dictates the biological activity and subsequent metabolic fate of the molecule.