An enzyme that catalyzes the desaturation (aromatization) of the ring A of C19 androgens and converts them to C18 estrogens. In this process, the 19-methyl is removed. This enzyme is membrane-bound, located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-producing cells of ovaries, placenta, testes, adipose, and brain tissues. Aromatase is encoded by the CYP19 gene, and functions in complex with NADPH-FERRIHEMOPROTEIN REDUCTASE in the cytochrome P-450 system.

Synonyms: Aromatase, Androstenedione, Estrogen Synthetase, CYP19 Protein, Cytochrome P450 19, Cytochrome P-450(AROM), Protein, CYP19, Cytochrome P 450 CYP19, Estrogen Synthase, CYP 19, EC 1.14.14.1, Aromatase, P450AROM, CYP19, Androstenedione Aromatase, Cytochrome P-450 CYP19