Isomerase

Definition

Isomerase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of a molecule into one of its isomers. This process is crucial for various biochemical pathways, including glycolysis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Isomerases play a key role in glycolysis by converting glucose-6-phosphate to fructose-6-phosphate.
2. Phosphoglucose isomerase is a specific type of isomerase involved in the second step of glycolysis.
3. Isomerases facilitate reactions without adding or removing atoms from the substrate, only rearranging them.
4. Mutase, a subtype of isomerase, specifically catalyzes the shifting of functional groups within a molecule.
5. The activity of isomerases ensures the smooth progression and regulation of metabolic pathways such as cellular respiration.

Review Questions

Related terms

Glycolysis:

A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP.

Enzyme: A protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate chemical reactions within cells.

Substrate: The specific reactant upon which an enzyme acts during a biochemical reaction.