Problem 6 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

The enzyme which converts sucrose to glucose and fructose. (a) Maltase (b) Invertase (c) Lactase (d) Hexokinase

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(b) Invertase

Step 1: Understand the Role of Enzymes

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, which means they speed up chemical reactions in cells. Each enzyme has a distinctive function based on its structure. In this case, this exercise is asking for the enzyme that converts sucrose to glucose and fructose.

Step 2: Know the Function of Each Choice

Maltase is an enzyme that converts maltose to glucose. Invertase, also known as sucrose, is an enzyme that converts sucrose to glucose and fructose. Lactase is an enzyme that converts lactose to glucose and galactose. Lastly, hexokinase is an enzyme that phosphorylates hexoses, forms of glucose, converting glucose to glucose-6-phosphate.

Step 3: Match the Correct Enzyme

From our understanding of the specific roles of each enzyme, it is clear that Invertase, our option (b), is the correct answer. This enzyme specifically converts sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Key Concepts

Biological Catalysts

Enzymes are remarkable proteins that play an essential role in speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are often referred to as biological catalysts because they significantly accelerate the rate of reactions without being consumed in the process. These molecules work by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur. This means they help the reaction proceed more easily and quickly than it would on its own.

Every enzyme is highly specific, acting only on particular molecules. This specificity is determined by the enzyme's unique three-dimensional structure, which fits perfectly with the substrate - the molecule it acts upon - like a key in a lock. With this precision, enzymes ensure that the multitude of chemical processes in the body occur optimally and efficiently. For instance, different enzymes constantly break down food in our digestive system, allowing the body to absorb essential nutrients.

Invertase

Invertase is a specific enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose. This process is crucial because it transforms the natural sugar found in many plants into forms that can be immediately utilized by the body for energy. Invertase is particularly important in plants, where it helps metabolize sucrose into simpler sugars needed for growth and energy.

In commercial applications, invertase is often used in the food industry, especially in confectioneries. It helps create soft-centered candies and prolongs the shelf life by preventing crystallization. Furthermore, invertase's capability to convert sucrose is significant in many industrial processes, impacting various sectors from brewing to pharmaceuticals.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrate metabolism is the set of biochemical processes responsible for forming, breaking down, and interconverting carbohydrates in living organisms. This process is vital as carbohydrates are the primary energy source for most cells. It involves a series of enzymatic reactions that transform carbohydrates into usable energy forms, such as ATP.

One of the key enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism is invertase. By converting sucrose into glucose and fructose, it prepares these sugars for further breakdown through glycolysis and other metabolic pathways. This breakdown results in the release of energy that the body can use for various functions, from muscle contraction to brain activity.

• Glucose, a simple sugar, enters metabolic pathways like glycolysis.
• Fructose can be converted into intermediates that also enter glycolysis.

Through these processes, the body efficiently harnesses energy stored in carbohydrates, emphasizing the importance of enzymes like invertase in sustaining life processes.