Question

1. Why might PNPA might be a substrate for a hydrolase?

                Your answer should address the subject of enzyme substrate specificity.

Correct, detailed (paragraph explanation) needed for thumbs up

Answer 1

The reaction between PNPA and esterase enzyme is a perfect example of enzyme substrate specificity. Each enzyme have specific affinity to bind to a specific substrate and catalyze the conversion of substrate into product. In this case, enzyme is esterase which is a hydrolyase enzyme because it convert Ester into acid and alcohol using water. The enzyme specificity is calculated by Km(michaelis-cinstant) . When pNPA substrate come in contact with enzyme esterase, this enzyme convert into acetic acid and p-nitrophenol (alcohol). Since, pNPA is a p-nitrophenol acetate, which is an Ester, this this enzyme specificity catalyzes it and convert into acid and alcohol. The enzyme need water to perform the reaction, so it is called as hydrolysis reaction.

The reaction is following :

pΝΡΑ PNP acetic acid