What is "desmolase"

n. (context enzyme English) An enzyme that catalyzes the formation or destruction of carbon-carbon bonds within a molecule. These enzymes play a significant role in respiration and fermentation.

A desmolase is any of various enzymes that catalyze the formation or destruction of carbon-carbon bonds within a molecule. These enzymes play a significant role in cellular respiration and in fermentation. Desmolases are involved in steroidogenesis.

Examples of desmolases are:

• Cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, also called 20,22-desmolase; converts cholesterol to pregnenolone.
• 17,20 Desmolase, also called CYP17A1 or 17α-hydroxylase; converts pregnenolone to 17-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone to 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and corticosterone to aldosterone.
• Diacetyl desmolase is added to beer late in the brewing process to remove diacetyl flavor that may have accumulated during processing.