SSC Selection Post 2024 PYQ — Question 50

The correct answer is Option 1 i.e. Detoxification of xenobiotics.

Cytochrome P450 enzymes are essential for the detoxification of xenobiotics—foreign substances such as drugs, pollutants, and chemicals. These enzymes, primarily located in the liver, metabolize these compounds through oxidation reactions, making them more water-soluble and easier to eliminate from the body. This process often involves converting lipophilic substances into polar metabolites. Apart from detoxifying xenobiotics, cytochrome P450 enzymes are also involved in the metabolism of endogenous compounds like steroids and fatty acids. Their activity is critical in maintaining chemical balance in the body and influencing how individuals respond to medications and environmental exposures.