Answer questions (a)–(e) concerning the following reaction:

b. Since hydrogens are removed, the enzyme belongs to what subclass of the enzyme class from part (a)?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Recall that enzymes are classified into six major classes based on the type of reaction they catalyze. These classes are oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases.
2. Step 2: Understand that the removal of hydrogens from a molecule is typically associated with oxidation reactions. Enzymes that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions belong to the oxidoreductase class.
3. Step 3: Within the oxidoreductase class, there are subclasses based on the specific type of reaction. For example, dehydrogenases are a subclass of oxidoreductases that specifically remove hydrogen atoms from a substrate.
4. Step 4: Based on the information provided in the problem, identify that the enzyme in question belongs to the dehydrogenase subclass of oxidoreductases, as it is responsible for removing hydrogens.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the enzyme belongs to the dehydrogenase subclass of the oxidoreductase class, as this aligns with the reaction described in the problem.

Key Concepts

Enzyme Classification

Enzymes are classified into six main classes based on the type of reaction they catalyze. These classes include oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. Understanding this classification is essential for identifying the specific subclass of an enzyme based on its function in biochemical reactions.

Oxidoreductases

Oxidoreductases are a subclass of enzymes that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions, where electrons are transferred between molecules. In the context of the question, the removal of hydrogens typically indicates an oxidation process, suggesting that the enzyme in question is likely an oxidoreductase, which plays a crucial role in metabolic pathways.

Reaction Mechanism

The reaction mechanism refers to the step-by-step sequence of events that occur during a chemical reaction, including the formation and breaking of bonds. Understanding the mechanism helps in identifying the role of specific enzymes and the nature of the substrates involved, which is vital for answering questions about enzyme subclasses and their functions.