Sulphation

Question 1

What enzyme is required for this reaction to occur?

Answer 1

Sulphotransferase enzyme

Question 2

What functional groups can undergo this reaction?

Answer 2

Alcohol or Amine

Question 3

What happens in the reaction?

Answer 3

A Drug with an Alchohol functional group or Amine functional group will be metabolised by the Sulphotransferase enzyme to form a sulphated drug that is more polar.

Question 4

What is the functional group in the product? How would you draw it?

Answer 4

Sulfate group

Google the image

Question 5

Give an example of a drug that will go straight to Phase 2 metabolism by Sulphation, and what other Phase 2 metabolism can this drug undergo?

Answer 5

Paracetamol will undergo Phase 2 metabolism by Sulphation and/or Glucuronidation

Question 6

Which metabolism (Phase 2) of paracetamol is more likely to happen?

Answer 6

BOTH metabolites of Glucuronidation and Sulphation are found in the urine after normal doses of Paracetamol