Which of the following reactions is catalyzed by the enzyme acid phosphatase?

• A. Hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins
• B. Hydrolysis of phosphate esters to release inorganic phosphate and an alcohol
• C. Conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate
• D. Oxidation of succinate to fumarate

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of acid phosphatase. Acid phosphatase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate esters, breaking them down into inorganic phosphate and an alcohol. This reaction typically occurs in acidic conditions.
2. Step 2: Analyze the given options. The first option, 'Hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins,' refers to proteolytic enzymes like proteases, not acid phosphatase. The second option, 'Hydrolysis of phosphate esters to release inorganic phosphate and an alcohol,' matches the function of acid phosphatase. The third option, 'Conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate,' is catalyzed by hexokinase, not acid phosphatase. The fourth option, 'Oxidation of succinate to fumarate,' is catalyzed by succinate dehydrogenase, not acid phosphatase.
3. Step 3: Focus on the correct reaction. Acid phosphatase specifically targets phosphate esters, cleaving the bond between the phosphate group and the alcohol group to release inorganic phosphate (Pi) and an alcohol molecule.
4. Step 4: Write the general chemical reaction catalyzed by acid phosphatase. The reaction can be represented as: $R_O-{\mathrm{PO}}_4-2+H2O\to R_{\mathrm{OH}}+{\mathrm{PO}}_4-3$, where R represents the organic group attached to the phosphate ester.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'Hydrolysis of phosphate esters to release inorganic phosphate and an alcohol,' as this reaction aligns with the enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase.