Talk:Catechol-O-methyl transferase

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Someone should set a search link for "comt". i had to go through google to get to the Catechol-O-methyl transferase page.

[edit] What does it do?

Happened across this article through the "Random article" page...and it makes very little sense. I understand enough biology to recognize the difference between an enzyme and a protein, but it's not immediately apparent what this particular enzyme does in the grand scheme of the organism in which it's part.

There's some mention of neurotransmitters towards the bottom, but that wouldn't lead me to assume that that's what this is.

An enzyme is simply a protein that functions as a catalyst. The name transferase, actually the ending -ase, is an indication this substance is an enzyme. Enzymes are necessary in most biochemical reactions to overcome the energy of activation, which is critical for a reaction to proceed. COMT is an enzyme needed for the biochemical reaction that breaksdown some catecholamines (neurotransmitters) therefore stopping their normal biochemical action.

[edit] Frequency of occurence in human population

It would be helpful to add info on frequencies of occurence for this gene, particularly as the connection to mental illness is very topical lately -SM 04:33, 11 December 2005 (UTC)