Isomerase

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Isomerase

Isomerase (/aɪˈsɒməreɪz/) is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the structural rearrangement of isomers. The term is derived from the Greek words 'isos' meaning 'equal', and 'meros' meaning 'part'.

Function

Isomerases facilitate the conversion of molecules into their isomers. This can be beneficial in metabolic processes where certain molecules need to be converted into a specific isomer for further use or breakdown. Isomerases can be further classified into six subclasses: racemases, epimerases, tautomerase, cis-trans-isomerases, intramolecular oxidoreductases, and intramolecular transferases.

Types of Isomerases

  • Racemases - These enzymes catalyze the conversion of one enantiomer to its mirror image (the other enantiomer).
  • Epimerases - These enzymes catalyze the conversion of one stereoisomer to another.
  • Tautomerase - These enzymes catalyze the transfer of a proton in a molecule to form a tautomer.
  • Cis-trans-isomerases - These enzymes catalyze the conversion of a cis-isomer to a trans-isomer, or vice versa.
  • Intramolecular oxidoreductases - These enzymes catalyze the transfer of electrons within a single molecule.
  • Intramolecular transferases - These enzymes catalyze the transfer of a functional group within a molecule.

Related Terms

  • Enzyme - A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction.
  • Isomer - Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.
  • Metabolism - The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.

See Also

External links

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