Question

The enzyme glucose oxidase isolated from the mold Penicillium notatum catalyzes the oxidation of β‑D‑glucose to D‑glucono‑δ‑lactone. This enzyme is highly specific for the β anomer of glucose and does not affect the α anomer. In spite of this specificity, the reaction catalyzed by glucose oxidase is commonly used in a clinical assay for total blood glucose, that is, for solutions consisting of a mixture of β‑D‑glucose and α‑D‑glucose.

Answer 1

The alpha anomer of glucose easily converts to the beta anomer

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme glucose oxidase isolated from the mold Penicillium notatum catalyzes the oxidation of β‑D‑glucose to D‑glucono‑δ‑lactone. This enzyme is highly specific for the β anomer of glucose and does not affect the α anomer. In spite of this specificity, the reaction catalyzed by glucose oxidase is commonly used in a clinical assay for total blood glucose, that is, for solutions consisting of a mixture of β‑D‑glucose and α‑D‑glucose. The alpha anomer of glucose easily converts to the beta anomer makes it possible for this test to measure total blood glucose.