ENR in biology refers to Enoyl-[acyl carrier protein] (ACP) reductase, a crucial enzyme in type II fatty acid synthesis.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Function: ENR catalyzes the last step in each elongation cycle of type II fatty acid synthesis. Essentially, it's responsible for adding to the growing fatty acid chain.
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Importance: Because of its critical role in bacterial fatty acid synthesis, ENR is an important target for the development of new antibiotics. Inhibiting ENR can disrupt bacterial cell membrane formation and overall bacterial growth.
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Relationship to Fatty Acid Synthesis: Fatty acid synthesis is a process by which organisms create fatty acids, which are essential components of cell membranes and energy storage molecules. Type II fatty acid synthesis is primarily found in bacteria and plants, and it involves a cycle of reactions that add two-carbon units to a growing acyl chain. ENR is the final enzyme needed to complete each cycle.
In summary, ENR (Enoyl-[acyl carrier protein] reductase) is a vital enzyme in bacterial fatty acid synthesis and a promising target for antibiotic drug development.