Which cytochrome P450 enzyme is important in hydroxylation reactions?

The cytochrome P450 enzyme that plays a significant role in hydroxylation reactions is CYP2D6. Hydroxylation is a metabolic process where a hydroxyl group (-OH) is introduced into an organic compound, and CYP2D6 is known for its ability to participate in the metabolism of a wide variety of substances, including pharmaceuticals. This enzyme is involved in the hydroxylation of numerous drugs, making it critical for drug metabolism and detoxification processes in the body.

CYP2D6 affects an individual's response to certain medications, influencing both efficacy and risk of side effects, which highlights its importance in pharmacogenomics. While other cytochrome P450 enzymes also contribute to metabolic processes, CYP2D6 is particularly noted for its role in hydroxylation reactions of numerous substrates.

Other options, while important in various metabolic pathways, do not have the same emphasis on hydroxylation as CYP2D6 does. For example, CYP1A2 is involved in the metabolism of caffeine and some drugs, but is not primarily recognized for hydroxylation; CYP3A4 has a broad range of substrates but is mainly involved in the metabolism of drugs through other pathways; and CYP2C9 is known for metabolizing