Overview of Enzymes, Cofactors, and Clinical Applications

This set of flashcards covers key concepts about enzymes, their classifications, mechanisms of action, and clinical importance.

What are the six major classes of enzymes grouped by catalytic activity?

Oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, ligases, isomerases, lyases.

What do oxidoreductases do?

They catalyze oxidation and reduction reactions.

What role do transferases play in metabolic processes?

They catalyze the transfer of moieties such as glycosyl, methyl, or phosphoryl groups.

What is a key regulatory element in metabolic pathways involving hydrolases?

Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.

What is the function of ligases?

They catalyze the joining together of two molecules, coupled with the hydrolysis of ATP.

What defines isomerases?

They catalyze geometric or structural rearrangements within a molecule.

What differentiates prosthetic groups from cofactors and coenzymes?

Prosthetic groups are tightly bound to the enzyme, while cofactors and coenzymes associate reversibly.

What is the major difference between cofactors and coenzymes?

Cofactors are mostly inorganic compounds, while coenzymes are organic in nature.

What is catalysis by proximity?

It refers to the orientation of substrates at the active site to increase local concentration.

What is acid-base catalysis?

It involves ionizable functional groups acting as acids or bases in the active site.

What happens during catalysis by strain?

Substrates bind in a conformation that weakens the targeted bond for cleavage.

What is covalent catalysis?

It involves forming a covalent bond between the enzyme and substrates, reducing activation energy.

What can elevated levels of alanine amino transferase indicate?

Liver damage or muscle damage.

What condition is associated with elevated levels of amylase?

Acute pancreatitis.

What does elevated lactate dehydrogenase suggest?

Potential liver or muscle damage, depending on the isoform.

What is the significance of troponin levels?

Elevated levels indicate cardiac damage after a myocardial infarction.

In a case of elevated amylase, which organ is likely dysfunctional?

The pancreas.