Final answer:
The efficiency of PLP in catalyzing amino acid transformations is reduced when its OH substituent is replaced with OCH3 because the missing hydroxyl cannot form a hydrogen bond, disrupting the reaction mechanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability of pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) to catalyze amino acid transformations is greatly reduced when the OH substituent is replaced with OCH3 because one of the critical steps in the transformation involves the removal of a hydrogen atom from the OH substituent. This hydrogen forms a hydrogen bond with the nitrogen of the imine linkage, which is crucial for the correct positioning of substrates and the stabilization of intermediates during the reaction. Replacing this hydroxyl group with a methoxy group (OCH3) eliminates the ability to form this hydrogen bond, thus disrupting the reaction mechanism and reducing the enzyme's catalytic efficiency.