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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0:58 minutes

Problem 31a

Textbook Question

What is the reactant for each of the following enzymes?
a. galactase

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of enzymes in chemical reactions. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate (reactant).

Step 2: Recognize that the name of the enzyme often provides a clue about its substrate. For example, enzymes ending in '-ase' are typically named after the substance they act upon. In this case, 'galactase' suggests it acts on galactose.

Step 3: Recall that galactose is a monosaccharide (simple sugar) and is a component of lactose. Galactase is likely involved in the metabolism or breakdown of galactose.

Step 4: Consider the biochemical context where galactase operates. It may catalyze the conversion of galactose into glucose or other intermediates in carbohydrate metabolism.

Step 5: Conclude that the reactant for galactase is galactose, based on the enzyme's name and its specificity for substrates.

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Key Concepts

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

Enzymatic Function

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Each enzyme is specific to a particular reaction or type of reaction, meaning it will only catalyze the conversion of specific substrates into products. Understanding the function of an enzyme is crucial for identifying its reactants.

Substrate Specificity

Substrate specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to choose exact substrates from a group of similar chemical molecules. For example, galactase specifically acts on galactose, breaking it down into glucose and other products. Knowing the substrate of an enzyme is essential for determining its reactants.

Galactase

Galactase, also known as lactase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of galactose from lactose, the sugar found in milk. The primary reactant for galactase is lactose, which it breaks down into glucose and galactose. Understanding the role of galactase helps in comprehending lactose metabolism and related digestive processes.

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