What is the Difference Between Isomerase and Mutase Enzyme?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Isomerase and mutase enzymes are both involved in catalyzing reactions that result in changes to the molecular structure of a substrate without changing the chemical composition. However, there are some differences between the two:

  1. Class vs. Subclass: Isomerase is a class of enzymes, while mutase is a type of isomerase enzyme.
  2. Function: Both isomerase and mutase enzymes can convert one isomer form to another isomer form of the same molecule. However, mutase enzymes specifically catalyze the migration of a functional group from one part of a molecule to another. In contrast, isomerases are not limited to functional group migrations and can change the connectivity of a molecule by breaking and forming bonds.

Similarities between isomerase and mutase enzymes include:

  • Both enzymes change the molecular structure of the substrate molecule without altering its chemical composition.
  • Both enzymes are involved in the movement of phosphate groups from one place to another in certain reactions, such as in glycolysis, where they can convert 3-phosphoglycerate into 2-phosphoglycerate.

In summary, isomerase and mutase enzymes both catalyze reactions that result in changes to the molecular structure of a substrate without altering its chemical composition. Mutase enzymes are a specific type of isomerase enzyme that catalyzes the migration of a functional group from one part of a molecule to another.

Comparative Table: Isomerase vs Mutase Enzyme

Isomerase and mutase enzymes are both involved in catalyzing biochemical reactions, but they have different functions. Here is a table comparing the differences between isomerase and mutase enzymes:

Enzyme Type Function Substrate Molecule Catalyzed Reaction
Isomerase Catalyzes the conversion of one isomer into another isomer of the same molecule. Isomerized molecule Change in molecular structure without altering the chemical composition.
Mutase A type of isomerase enzyme that specifically changes the position of a functional group within a substrate molecule. Substrate molecule with functional group(s) Movement of functional groups within the molecule without changing its formula.

Both isomerase and mutase enzymes can affect the molecular structure of a substrate molecule without changing its chemical composition. However, while isomerase enzymes can convert one isomer form to another isomer form of the same molecule, mutase enzymes are a subclass of isomerases that focus on moving functional groups within a substrate molecule.