Enzymes - Denaturation and Lactase

Enzymes and Related Terms

• Denaturation: Refers to the alteration of a protein's structure due to environmental factors such as heat or pH changes, resulting in a loss of function while the primary structure remains intact.

• Lactase: Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose; commercially available under the trade name Lactaid.

• Lactose: A disaccharide sugar made of one glucose molecule bonded to one galactose molecule.

• Lactose Intolerance: A genetic condition characterized by the inability to properly digest lactose, leading to digestive issues when consuming milk products.

• Galactose: A monosaccharide and a component of lactose, recognized as a sugar that provides energy and is slightly less sweet than glucose.

• Glucose: A simple sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆) that is a primary energy source for the body, circulating in the bloodstream; its deficiency triggers feelings of hunger.

• Disaccharide: Carbohydrates that yield two monosaccharide molecules upon complete hydrolysis; lactose is an example.

• Glycoside Hydrolase: Enzymes responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates like cellulose; play roles in biomass degradation and antibacterial defense.

• Carbohydrate: Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; serve as essential nutrients for living cells.

Structural Components and Sugars

• Cellulose: A polysaccharide integral to plant cell walls, formed from glucose monomers linked by beta-1,4-glycosidic bonds, providing structural support.

• Hemicellulose: A polysaccharide composed of various sugars (such as xylose and galactose); features short, branched chains and is found alongside cellulose in plant cell walls.

• Xylose: An aldopentose monosaccharide with five carbon atoms (C₅H₁₀O₅); originates from wood and is present in many edible plants.

• Mannose: A sugar monomer (C₆H₁₂O₆) belonging to the aldohexose series, formed from the oxidation of mannitol.

• Rhamnose: A naturally-occurring deoxy sugar (6-deoxy-L-mannose); significant in the composition of the outer membrane of Mycobacterium bacteria.

• Arabinose: An aldopentose (C₅H₁₀O₅) found in hemicellulose and pectin, first isolated from gum arabic, and important in bioengineering.

Microbiology

• Mycobacterium: A genus of Actinobacteria, classified into its own family, known for including pathogens that cause serious diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy.