Cytochrome P-450

Question 1

What are cytochromes?

Answer 1

redox active proteins containing a heme with a central iron atom at its core

Question 2

What is the structure of cytochrome P-450?

Answer 2

has an iron centre

• 1 water molecule is attached
• 4 nitrogen atoms
• 1 cysteine is attached = via a sulphur

Question 3

What are the negative side effects of cytochrome P-450?

Answer 3

can lead to the generation of highly carcinogenic compounds

Question 4

How can drugs affect cytochrome P-450?

Answer 4

can act as

• substrates = are metabolised by cytochrome P-450
• inducers = increase the activity of cytochrome P-450
• inhibitors = decrease the activity of cytochrome P-450

Question 5

What are prodrugs?

Answer 5

are precursors the the drugs

- must be metabolised in the body