Question

Refer the given reaction. \(\mathrm{C}_{12} \mathrm{H}_{22} \mathrm{O}_{11}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \stackrel{\text { Enzyme A }}{\longrightarrow} 2 \mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6}\) Maltose \(\quad\) Glucose Enzyme A used in the reaction, belongs to which class of enzymes? (a) Dehydrogenases (b) Transferases (c) Hydrolases (d) Lyases

Short answer

The enzyme A is a hydrolase because it catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose into glucose.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Reaction Type

Examine the reaction to determine what type of transformation is taking place. In the reaction, the substrate molecule \(\mathrm{C}_{12}\mathrm{H}_{22}\mathrm{O}_{11}\) (maltose) is being combined with a water molecule \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O}\) to yield two molecules of \(\mathrm{C}_{6}\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_{6}\) (glucose).

Determine the Enzyme Function

Recognize that the water molecule is being added to the substrate molecule to break a bond. This is a characteristic of hydrolysis reactions.

Match with Enzyme Class

Associate the type of reaction with the class of enzymes that catalyze such reactions. Enzymes that facilitate hydrolysis reactions belong to the class of enzymes known as hydrolases.

Key concepts

Enzyme Catalyzed Reactions

When we talk about enzyme catalyzed reactions, we are looking at an essential biological process where enzymes act as catalysts to speed up the transformation of substrates into products. Without enzymes, many of these reactions would either take an enormously long time or simply would not occur under the mild conditions of temperature and pressure found within living organisms.

Enzymes are highly specific, meaning that each type of enzyme binds to a particular substrate to perform a unique chemical reaction. During this process, the enzyme provides an active site which is the perfect fit for the substrate, similar to a lock and key. This interaction facilitates the chemical reaction, often by lowering the energy required to initiate it, known as the activation energy.

Enzymes are involved in a wide range of activities within the body including digestion, energy production, and the synthesis of biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids. By catalyzing reactions efficiently and selectively, enzymes are vital for the intricacies of cellular functioning and overall metabolism.

Hydrolysis Reactions

Hydrolysis reactions are a specific type of chemical reaction where a water molecule is used to break a chemical bond in another compound. This process is crucial in the context of biology, where it is involved in the breakdown of large biomolecules into smaller, more manageable pieces.

For example, when you eat food such as carbohydrates, proteins, or fats, hydrolysis reactions are key to digesting these complex molecules into simpler ones that your body can absorb and utilize. Carbohydrates are broken down into sugars, proteins into amino acids, and fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

In the case of carbohydrates like maltose (a disaccharide), hydrolysis will split the molecule into glucose units. This is not only important for digestion but also for various metabolic processes where these simpler molecules are further utilized for energy production or are built up into other necessary compounds.

Classes of Enzymes

Enzymes are meticulously categorized into classes based on the types of reactions they catalyze. These classes are as follows:

• Oxidoreductases: Facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions.
• Transferases: Move functional groups between molecules.
• Hydrolases: Catalyze hydrolysis reactions, breaking bonds with water.
• Lyases: Break various chemical bonds by means other than hydrolysis and oxidation.
• Isomerases: Rearrange the atoms within a molecule to form isomers.
• Ligases: Join two molecules together with covalent bonds.

Understanding which class an enzyme belongs to can help decipher its role in the body. For instance, if a reaction involves transferring a phosphate group, a transferase would be the enzyme responsible. Knowing the correct class is also crucial for medical and biotechnological applications, as it aids in enzyme identification and use in various therapies and industrial processes.

Biological Molecules Transformation

Transformation of biological molecules is a continuous and necessary process in all living organisms. This transformation includes the assembly, rearrangement, and breakdown of these molecules.

Biological molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids undergo transformations to perform distinct functions. For example, amino acids are linked together in a specific sequence to form a protein, which may then change shape or undergo post-translational modifications for its final function. Conversely, large biomolecules can also be broken down into smaller ones to release energy or to serve as building blocks for other compounds.

The role that enzymes play in these transformations cannot be overstated. Each step in a molecule's transformation often requires a specific enzyme suited to that particular reaction. These enzymes ensure that reactions occur promptly and with the necessary specificity, ensuring the proper functioning of the biological system.