Question:

Most common cytochrome P-450 enzyme for drug metabolism detoxification reactions is?

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This isoform metabolises nearly 50% of all drugs.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • CYP 3A4
  • CYP 1A2
  • CYP 2A6
  • CYP 2B6
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzymes are grouped into families by capital letters (A, B, C) based on amino acid sequence homology, with individual enzymes given numerals such as CYP1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8 and 3A4/3A5.

Step 2: In humans, only a few isoenzymes from three families carry out metabolism of most drugs.

Step 3: CYP3A4/3A5 carries out the biotransformation of the largest number of drugs - nearly 50%. Hence CYP3A4 is the most common enzyme involved in drug metabolism.

Step 4: Important inducers of CYP3A4/3A5 include rifampin, barbiturates, glucocorticoids, carbamazepine, phenytoin, macrolide antibiotics and pioglitazone. The other listed isoenzymes metabolise far fewer drugs, so CYP3A4 is correct.
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