Which of the following group of enzymes act by mediating transfer of one molecule to another?
**Core Concept**
Transferases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a specific group of atoms or a molecule from one compound to another. This transfer reaction can involve the movement of groups such as a methyl group, a phosphate group, or an amino group between different molecules. The transfer of a molecule from one compound to another is a fundamental aspect of various biochemical reactions, including glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and fatty acid synthesis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Transferases facilitate the transfer of a molecule by forming a temporary covalent bond between the enzyme and the substrate. This covalent bond allows the enzyme to position the substrate in a way that facilitates the transfer of the molecule to another molecule. For example, in the case of the enzyme glycogen synthase, a transferase that catalyzes the transfer of a glucose molecule from UDP-glucose to a growing glycogen chain. The enzyme forms a covalent bond with the glucose molecule, positioning it for transfer to the glycogen chain. This reaction is essential for glycogen synthesis and storage.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Lyases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of a molecule, resulting in the formation of a double bond or a ring structure. This is in contrast to transferases, which facilitate the transfer of a molecule from one compound to another.
**Option B:** Oxidases are a class of enzymes that catalyze oxidation reactions, where an electron is transferred from one molecule to another. This is distinct from the action of transferases, which involve the transfer of a molecule rather than the transfer of electrons.
**Option C:** Peptidases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide bonds, resulting in the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids. While peptidases do facilitate the transfer of amino acids, this is not an example of a transferase reaction.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that transferases are involved in a wide range of biochemical reactions, including those that occur in energy metabolism, nucleotide synthesis, and the synthesis of various biomolecules. This knowledge can be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of various diseases, such as cancer, where altered transferase activity can contribute to tumorigenesis.
**✓ Correct Answer: D. Transferases**