An enzyme that catalyzes a reduction; since all enzymes catalyze reactions in either direction, any r. can, under the proper conditions, behave as an oxidase and vice versa, hence the term oxidoreductase. For individual reductases, see the specific names. SYN: reducing enzyme.
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re·duc·tase -.tās, -.tāz n an enzyme that catalyzes chemical reduction
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re·duc·tase (re-dukґtās) a term used in the recommended names of some enzymes of the oxidoreductase class [EC 1], usually denoting those catalyzing reactions physiologically important solely for reduction of a metabolite.Medical dictionary. 2011.