Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

19. Enzymes

Enzyme Classification

GOB Chemistry

19. Enzymes

Enzyme Classification

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1:21 minutes

Problem 36b

Textbook Question

What general kinds of reactions do the following types of enzymes catalyze?
b. Decarboxylases

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. Each enzyme is specific to a particular type of reaction.

Identify the type of enzyme: Decarboxylases are a specific class of enzymes that catalyze the removal of a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a molecule, releasing it as carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Recognize the reaction type: The reaction catalyzed by decarboxylases is a type of *decarboxylation reaction*, which involves the breakdown of a molecule by removing a carboxyl group.

Understand the general reaction: The general form of a decarboxylation reaction can be written as:

R - COOH \to R + {CO}_{2}

, where R represents the rest of the molecule.

Relate to biological processes: Decarboxylases are important in metabolic pathways, such as the citric acid cycle, where they help in the release of CO₂ as part of energy production in cells.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Enzymes

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They lower the activation energy required for reactions, allowing processes to occur more efficiently. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate, meaning it catalyzes a specific reaction or type of reaction.

Decarboxylases

Decarboxylases are a specific class of enzymes that catalyze the removal of a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a substrate, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) in the process. This reaction is crucial in various metabolic pathways, including the conversion of amino acids to amines and the decarboxylation of organic acids, playing a significant role in cellular respiration and energy production.

Types of Reactions

The types of reactions catalyzed by enzymes can be broadly categorized into several classes, including oxidation-reduction, hydrolysis, and decarboxylation. Understanding these categories helps in identifying the specific biochemical pathways in which enzymes like decarboxylases are involved, as they facilitate the transformation of substrates into products through distinct mechanisms.