2.5 Additional Enzymatic Reactions

Enzyme

A protein that accelerates or catalyzes biochemical reactions and is not consumed in the reaction.

Protease

An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of proteins.

Catalase

An enzyme that accelerates the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Lipase

An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of lipids (fats).

Hydrolases

Enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis, breaking chemical bonds by adding water.

Isomerases

Enzymes that promote intramolecular rearrangements, producing isomers.

Ligases

Enzymes that cause covalent bonds to be formed between molecules.

Lyases

Enzymes that cleave bonds by means other than hydrolysis or oxidation.

Oxidoreductases

Enzymes that catalyze the transfer of electrons between molecules.

Transferases

Enzymes that transfer a specific functional group from one molecule to another.

Active Site

The specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.