Question

Several different classes of enzymes are needed for the catabolism of

carbohydrates. Which of the following descriptions best matches the function of
an isomerase?______
(a) An enzyme that catalyzes the rearrangement of bonds within a single
molecule.
(b) An enzyme that catalyzes a change in the position of a specific chemical
group within a single molecule.
(c) An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of a molecule by removing a
hydride ion.
(d) An enzyme that catalyzes the addition of phosphate groups to other
molecules.

Answer 1

An isomerase is an enzyme that catalyzes the rearrangement of bonds within a single molecule to facilitate the interconversion of isomers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of an isomerase matches the description: (a) An enzyme that catalyzes the rearrangement of bonds within a single molecule. Isomerases are a class of enzymes that facilitate the interconversion of optical or geometric isomers. For example, the enzyme Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate ISOMERASE converts glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate to dihydroxyacetone phosphate. The specificity of enzymes is remarkable; some are so precise that they will only catalyze reactions involving a single substrate, while others may target any of a group of similar functional groups or bonds, but always within the same molecule.