Question

Choose the correct option. (A) Invertase involves Decomposition of urea into \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) (B) Maltase involves Hydrolysis of cane sugar (C) Urease involves Hydrolysis of maltose into glucose (D) Zymase involves Conversion of glucose into ethyl alcohol

Short answer

The correct option is (D), as Zymase involves Conversion of glucose into ethyl alcohol.

Step-by-step solution

Recall the functions of the enzymes mentioned in the question

To choose the correct option, let's first recall the functions of each enzyme mentioned in the question: 1. Invertase: It is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose (cane sugar) into glucose and fructose. 2. Maltase: It is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose into two glucose molecules. 3. Urease: It is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2). 4. Zymase: It is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glucose to ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in anaerobic conditions.

Match the functions of the enzymes with the given statements

Now, let's match the enzyme functions with the given statements in each option: (A) Invertase involves Decomposition of urea into NH3 and CO2 - Incorrect. Invertase catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose, not urea. (B) Maltase involves Hydrolysis of cane sugar - Incorrect. Maltase catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose, not cane sugar. (C) Urease involves Hydrolysis of maltose into glucose - Incorrect. Urease catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea, not maltose. (D) Zymase involves Conversion of glucose into ethyl alcohol - Correct. Zymase catalyzes the conversion of glucose to ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Choose the correct option

Based on our analysis, option (D) Zymase involves Conversion of glucose into ethyl alcohol is the correct statement.

Key concepts

Invertase

Invertase is an enzyme commonly found in plants, yeast, and bacteria. Its primary function is to catalyze the hydrolysis of sucrose, also known as table sugar, into glucose and fructose. This process begins when invertase breaks down the glycosidic link in sucrose, resulting in these simpler sugar forms.
This reaction is crucial for various biological processes, especially in yeast, where the resulting sugars undergo further metabolism for energy production.

• Key role: Splits sucrose into glucose and fructose
• Presence: Found in plants, bacteria, and yeast
• Importance: Essential for energy metabolism in organisms

Thanks to invertase, organisms can efficiently utilize sucrose as a source of energy, making this enzyme important for both natural and industrial processes, such as sugar conversion in the food industry.

Maltase

Maltase is an enzyme that specializes in breaking down maltose into two glucose molecules. Maltose is a disaccharide sugar produced during the digestion of starch.

Starch, a polysaccharide, consists of long chains of glucose that are broken down into maltose by different enzymes, such as amylase. Maltase then catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose, releasing glucose, which can be readily absorbed by the body.

• Function: Converts maltose into glucose
• Role in digestion: Completes starch breakdown
• Final step: Releases glucose for absorption

This enzymatic activity is particularly vital in the digestive tract of animals and humans, where glucose is required for energy and cellular function, highlighting maltase's significance in nutrition and metabolism.

Urease

Urease is a valuable enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of urea into ammonia ( NH_{3} ) and carbon dioxide ( CO_{2} ). This reaction is particularly significant in many organisms, including plants, bacteria, and fungi.

Urea is a primary nitrogenous compound excreted in urine by mammals, and urease plays a part in the nitrogen cycle by converting it back into usable nitrogen forms.

• Action: Hydrolyzes urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide
• Location: Found in plants, bacteria, and fungi
• Ecological impact: Helps recycle nitrogen in the environment

By breaking down urea, urease aids in soil fertility and agricultural productivity, emphasizing its environmental and biological importance.

Zymase

Zymase is a complex of enzymes found in yeast, responsible for converting glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide through the process of fermentation. This reaction occurs under anaerobic conditions, meaning it doesn't require oxygen.
Fermentation is a crucial metabolic process that enables organisms like yeast to produce energy when oxygen is scarce. Zymase catalyzes several steps leading to the production of alcohol, which is pivotal in brewing and winemaking processes.

• Process: Converts glucose to ethanol and carbon dioxide
• Conditions: Operates anaerobically, without oxygen
• Commercial use: Key in brewing and alcohol production

Zymase not only supports energy extraction under anaerobic situations but also holds substantial industrial significance in producing alcoholic beverages, showcasing its versatile role in biology and commerce.