Views: 4
Classification of Enzymes
Enzymes can be classified into different categories based on various criteria.
-
Enzyme Commission (EC) Number: The Enzyme Commission is an organization that assigns a unique numerical classification system, known as the EC number, to enzymes based on the type of reaction they catalyze. The EC number consists of four digits separated by dots and provides information about the enzyme’s class, subclass, sub-subclass, and serial number within the sub-subclass. For example, the EC number 1.1.1.1 represents an oxidoreductase enzyme.
-
Enzyme Class: Enzymes can be categorized into six main classes based on the type of reaction they catalyze: a. Oxidoreductases: Catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions. b. Transferases: Transfer functional groups between molecules. c. Hydrolases: Catalyze hydrolysis reactions, breaking bonds with the addition of water. d. Lyases: Catalyze the addition or removal of groups to form double bonds. e. Isomerases: Catalyze the rearrangement of atoms within a molecule. f. Ligases: Catalyze the joining of two molecules using energy from ATP.
-
Substrate Specificity: Enzymes can be classified based on their substrate specificity, indicating the type of molecule or group of molecules they act upon. For example, proteases are enzymes that specifically catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins, while lipases catalyze the hydrolysis of lipids.
-
Biological Function: Enzymes can be classified based on their biological function or the metabolic pathway they are involved in. For example, enzymes involved in glycolysis, such as hexokinase and phosphofructokinase, are classified as glycolytic enzymes.
-
Regulatory Mechanism: Enzymes can be classified based on their regulatory mechanisms. For example, allosteric enzymes are regulated by the binding of specific molecules to regulatory sites other than the active site, influencing their activity.
-
Genetic Classification: Enzymes can also be classified based on their genetic origin and structure. For example, enzymes can be classified as either RNA enzymes (ribozymes) or protein enzymes.