Problem 26 - Arihant Objective Approach to Organic Chemistry for IIT JEE and NEET all Medical Entrances Part 4

Question

The hydrolysis of sugar to glucose and fructose is catalysed by: [AFMC 1998] (a) zymase (b) invertase (c) diastase (d) maltase

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(b) invertase.

Step 1: Understanding the Problem

We need to find the enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose (a sugar) into glucose and fructose. This involves understanding which enzyme is responsible for breaking down sucrose into these components.

Step 2: Listing the Options

The options are: (a) zymase, (b) invertase, (c) diastase, and (d) maltase. We will evaluate each option to determine which enzyme is responsible for hydrolyzing sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Step 3: Analyzing Option A: Zymase

Zymase is a complex of enzymes found in yeast that catalyzes the fermentation of sugar to ethanol and carbon dioxide. It does not specifically hydrolyze sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Step 4: Analyzing Option B: Invertase

Invertase, also known as sucrase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose. This matches the reaction described in the problem.

Step 5: Analyzing Option C: Diastase

Diastase is a group of enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of starch into maltose. It is not involved in the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Step 6: Analyzing Option D: Maltase

Maltase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose into glucose. It is not responsible for breaking down sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Step 7: Selecting the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, the enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose is invertase, which is option (b).

Key Concepts

Invertase

Invertase is a crucial enzyme in the world of biochemistry, celebrated for its specific role in breaking down sucrose into its component sugars. Found in various plants and microorganisms, it is also referred to as sucrase due to its ability to target sucrose. This enzyme is key because sucrose itself cannot be immediately used by living organisms for energy without being broken down. Invertase acts as a biological catalyst, speeding up the chemical reaction that splits sucrose into glucose and fructose.
Its function is vital in processes such as digestion and certain industrial applications, including sweetener production.

• Invertase helps improve the sweetness of products by converting less sweet sucrose into the sweeter glucose and fructose.
• It also plays a role in the brewing and baking industries, contributing to the flavor and texture of goods.

By catalyzing the hydrolysis of sucrose, invertase facilitates the use of these sugars for energy, making it an indispensable part of many metabolic processes.

Hydrolysis of Sucrose

The hydrolysis of sucrose is a chemical reaction where this disaccharide sugar is broken down into two simpler sugars: glucose and fructose. This reaction requires water to proceed, a process known as hydrolysis. Enzymes called catalysts are essential in this reaction, with invertase being the key enzyme for sucrose.
During hydrolysis, a water molecule breaks the glycosidic bond in sucrose, splitting it into its monosaccharide components. The presence of invertase dramatically increases the reaction rate, making it efficient enough to meet the metabolic needs of an organism.

• The reaction is important in biological systems to release energy stored in sucrose.
• In human digestion, it assists in carbohydrate metabolism, allowing the body to absorb usable sugars.

Furthermore, this process has been harnessed in food industries to produce invert sugar, a sweetener with higher solubility and sweetness than sucrose.

Glucose and Fructose Production

The production of glucose and fructose from sucrose is a significant biochemical transformation, providing fundamental sugars necessary for energy and function in organisms. Glucose, a primary energy source, is systematically broken down through glycolysis to produce ATP, the energy currency of cells. Fructose, on the other hand, is metabolized via a different pathway but ultimately ends up in the glycolytic pathway after simpler transformations.
Both sugars are simple carbohydrates that can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream, making them immediately available for energy. This absorption process contrasts with complex carbohydrates, which require more time to break down into absorbable units.

• Glucose supports critical functions such as cellular respiration and energy production.
• Fructose contributes to cellular processes and is also used by the liver to replenish glycogen stores.

Industrial applications take advantage of these sugars' properties to produce food items with varying levels of sweetness and energy content, impacting both nutritional and sensorial properties.