Question

Which of the following reactions is catalyzed by Lyase?

A. Breaking of bonds
B. Formation of bonds
C. Intramolecular rearrangement of bonds
D. Transfer of the group from one molecule to another

Answer 1

Hint: Let’s understand the mechanism of action of lyases. Lyases are a specific kind of enzyme that catalyzes the breaking down of bonds in a biochemical reaction. Lyases, unlike other enzymes, do not use the methods of hydrolysis or oxidation to break down the bonds.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Lyases are the enzymes belonging to the group of enzymes EC 4, they are responsible for catalyzing addition and elimination reactions in a biochemical reaction. Lyases will split the molecule without the addition of water though they frequently add a new ring structure. Reactions catalyzed by lyases break the bonds between a carbon atom and another atom such as sulfur, oxygen, or another carbon atom. They are found in cellular biochemical processes like the citric acid cycle and in the production of cyanohydrins. Hydrolysis or not, one thing is clear Lyases are always used to break bonds and never to create one. So, breaking the bonds will be the correct answer to this given question.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note:A good example of the use of Lyase is the use of a fumarase for the production of malic acid which is produced by the breaking down of fumaric acid. Another example is biocatalytic production of a cyanohydrin produced from the ketone and is catalyzed by the action of “oxynitrilase”.
Lyases can also be categorized based on the target upon which they act on.
On this basis, it is broadly classified into three types, carbonic anhydrase target, ATP citrate lyase, and all other lyases.