MCAT Physical : Classifications of Enzymes

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Physical

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Example Questions

Example Question #194 : Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, And Other Concepts

Chymotrypsin is a proteolytic enzyme that is released by the pancreas. Using a water molecule, it cleaves the traget polypeptide and creates the new N and C termini for the newly made fragments.

Based on this enzymatic function, what type of enzyme is chymotrypsin?

Possible Answers:

Ligase

Transferase

Lyase

Hydrolase

Correct answer:

Hydrolase

Explanation:

Chymostrypsin creates smaller peptide segments, so it is not a ligase or transferase. Since it employs the use of a water molecule in order to cleave the polymer, it is classified as a hydrolase enzyme. Lyases also shorten polymers, but not with the use of a water molecule.

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