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Isomerase

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General Biology I

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.

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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

  • What role does phosphoglucose isomerase play in glycolysis?
  • How do isomerases differ from enzymes that add or remove atoms from substrates?
  • Why are mutases considered a subtype of isomerases?

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