Paraoxonase enzymes act by accelerating the hydrolysis of their substrates. For example, PON1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of paraoxon, a toxic metabolite of the pesticide parathion, into less harmful compounds. The catalytic mechanism typically involves the formation of a covalent intermediate between the enzyme's active site and the substrate, facilitating the breakdown of the substrate through nucleophilic attack. This catalytic efficiency is crucial for the enzyme's role in detoxification and protection against oxidative stress.
