Sulfate conjugation

Pronunciation
/SOO-fate kon-ju-GAY-shun/
Category
Physiology

Definition

A metabolic process by which sulfate is added to a substrate, typically xenobiotics, making them more water-soluble and facilitating their elimination.

Etymology

From the Latin 'sulfur' and the Greek 'conjugatio', meaning 'joining together'.

Example

Sulfate conjugation is a key detoxification pathway in insects, allowing them to process and eliminate toxic compounds.

Related Terms

  • Xenobiotics
  • Detoxification
  • Phase II metabolism