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Selenoenzyme

Meaning

A selenoenzyme is a class of essential enzymes that incorporate the trace element selenium in the form of the amino acid selenocysteine into their active catalytic site. These enzymes are indispensable for various physiological processes, notably including antioxidant defense and the metabolism of thyroid hormones. The most clinically relevant selenoenzymes are the glutathione peroxidases and the iodothyronine deiodinases. Their proper function relies entirely on adequate selenium intake.