Types of Enzymes

Enzymes are classed based on the mechanism by which they intereact with their substrates and their general function. An oxioreductase will transfer electrons from a molecule. As the name suggests, this type of enzyme performs either oxidation or reduciton. Usually this is through NAD+, NADP+, or FAD, which are strong electron carriers. A transferse simply transfers functional groups between molecules. These reactions always have at least two reactants. Isomerase are similar in that functional groups are transfered, though this is confined to a single molecule. In other words, an isomerase creates an isomer. Hydrolase enzymes break large molectules into smaller molecules with the use of water. The parts that are broken are then combined with the water, in many cases. Ligases combine two molecules forming a larger one. This is usually done in the presence of ATP and water. Much of the time the water molecule is produced, such as in a condensation reaction. A lyase simply breaks bonds without the use of oxidation or hydrolisis. In many cases double bonds are formed or broken. This may also be the case with ring structures.