oxo-acid-lyase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the cleavage of a C-C bond by other means than by hydrolysis or oxidation, of a 3-hydroxy acid. [EC:4.1.3.-, GOC:jl]

Oxo-acid-lyase activity, also known as lyase activity, involves the cleavage of a molecule into two or more products by a mechanism other than hydrolysis or oxidation. These enzymes typically break carbon-carbon, carbon-oxygen, or carbon-nitrogen bonds. They are crucial in various metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and the synthesis of important biomolecules.

Here are some key characteristics of oxo-acid-lyase activity:

* **Mechanism:** The cleavage reaction does not involve the addition of water (hydrolysis) or the removal of electrons (oxidation). Instead, it often relies on a mechanism involving proton abstraction, electron rearrangement, or the formation of a carbanion intermediate.
* **Specificity:** Oxo-acid-lyases often exhibit high specificity for their substrates. They can distinguish between different isomers, enantiomers, and even different functional groups within a molecule.
* **Cofactors:** Many oxo-acid-lyases require cofactors, such as metal ions or coenzymes, to facilitate their catalytic activity. These cofactors can act as electron acceptors, stabilizers of intermediates, or assist in the formation of reactive species.
* **Regulation:** The activity of oxo-acid-lyases can be regulated by various factors, including substrate concentration, pH, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

Some examples of oxo-acid-lyase reactions include:

* **Decarboxylation:** Removal of a carboxyl group (CO2) from a molecule, such as the conversion of pyruvate to acetaldehyde by pyruvate decarboxylase.
* **Aldol cleavage:** Cleavage of a molecule into an aldehyde and a ketone, as seen in the breakdown of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate by aldolase.
* **Dehydration:** Removal of water from a molecule, like the conversion of malate to fumarate by fumarase.

Oxo-acid-lyase activity plays a vital role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, energy production, and the biosynthesis of essential molecules. Their specificities and regulatory mechanisms contribute to the intricate and finely tuned metabolic processes within living organisms.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)