Enzyme Classification

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What is the primary role of enzymes in biological systems?

Enzymes act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

What are the six main classes of enzymes according to the EC system?

The six classes are oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases.

What does the EC number system consist of?

The EC number is a numeric classification scheme; it includes four digits that categorize enzymes based on their reaction mechanisms.

Which class of enzymes catalyzes redox reactions?

Oxidoreductases catalyze redox reactions.

What is the role of transferases in enzymatic reactions?

Transferases catalyze the transfer of functional groups between molecules.

How do hydrolases operate in biochemical processes?

Hydrolases catalyze the cleavage of bonds through the addition of water.

What is a specific example of a hydrolase enzyme?

An example of a hydrolase is amylase, which breaks down starch into sugars.

Which enzyme class is responsible for breaking bonds without using water?

Lyases are responsible for breaking bonds without using water or redox reactions.

What is the function of isomerases?

Isomerases catalyze the rearrangement of atoms within a molecule to form isomers.

Can you name an example of a ligase and its function?

DNA ligase is an example that joins DNA strands together by forming phosphodiester bonds.

In which intracellular structure are many enzymes organized?

Many enzymes are organized within mitochondria.

What role do cofactors play in enzyme activity?

Cofactors are non-protein molecules that assist enzymes during the catalysis of reactions.

What is an enzyme's active site?

The active site is the region of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?

Temperature and pH influence enzyme activity by affecting the enzyme's shape and the reaction rate.

What is enzyme inhibition?

Enzyme inhibition is the process by which a molecule decreases or halts the activity of an enzyme.

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