Question

Give the substrate of each of the following enzymes: a. maltase b. fructose oxidase c. phenolase d. sucrase

Short answer

a. maltose, b. fructose, c. phenols, d. sucrose

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Substrate for Maltase

Maltase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose into two glucose molecules. Therefore, the substrate for maltase is maltose.

Identify the Substrate for Fructose Oxidase

Fructose oxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of fructose into a product, often involving the removal of electrons. Thus, the substrate for fructose oxidase is fructose.

Identify the Substrate for Phenolase

Phenolase, also known as polyphenol oxidase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of phenolic compounds. The most common substrates for phenolase are phenols and catechol.

Identify the Substrate for Sucrase

Sucrase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose. Therefore, the substrate for sucrase is sucrose.

Key concepts

Maltase Substrate

Maltase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in breaking down carbohydrates. It specifically targets maltose, a type of disaccharide made up of two glucose molecules.
This process is called hydrolysis, where maltase adds a molecule of water to maltose, splitting it into two glucose molecules.
Here are some key points:

• Maltase ensures that the body can utilize maltose, especially from foods like starch and glycogen.
• A deficiency in maltase can lead to digestive issues since maltose won't be properly broken down.

Understanding the substrate helps in grasping how complex sugars transform into simpler forms the body can use.

Fructose Oxidase Substrate

Fructose oxidase is another important enzyme, mostly involved in the oxidative processes of fructose.
This enzyme removes electrons from fructose, leading to its conversion into different products through oxidation.
Some essential concepts to note include:

• Fructose is a simple sugar found in many fruits.
• Oxidation reactions involving fructose can release energy, making it useful for cellular activities.

Knowing the substrate fructose helps us understand energy production and metabolic pathways more clearly.

Phenolase Substrate

Phenolase, also known as polyphenol oxidase, is an enzyme with crucial roles in plant and animal systems.
It helps by oxidizing phenolic compounds. The common substrates for this enzyme are phenols and catechol.
Some significant points include:

• This enzyme is involved in browning reactions seen in fruits and vegetables.
• It also has roles in defense mechanisms in plants.

Recognizing phenols and catechol as substrates aids in understanding how certain oxidation reactions take place in nature and food processing.

Sucrase Substrate

Sucrase is an enzyme that is crucial for digesting certain types of sugar, particularly sucrose.
It breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose through a hydrolysis reaction.
Key points to remember are:

• Sucrose is commonly known as table sugar, found in many fruits and cane sugar.
• The products of the sucrase reaction, glucose and fructose, are essential for energy and metabolic functions.

Knowing that sucrose is the substrate for sucrase helps to clarify how our body handles dietary sugars.