Hey Biochemians,
Today we’re going to look at isozymes. Although not gone into detail in the course, when I was checking the course outline, I happened to notice that it was one of the terms we needed to know.
Now before we walk into the exam not knowing,
or panicking,
I shall now briefly explain the fun and importance that is isozymes. ^_^
Isozymes (also known as isoenzymes) are homologous enzymes that catalyze the same reaction but differ in structure. The differences in the isozymes allow them to regulate the same reaction at different places in the specie. These enzymes differ in amino acid sequences and display different kinetic parameters as well as regulatory properties.
Isozymes are encoded by different genes and expressed in a distinct organelle or at a distinct stage of development. The purpose of these isomers is to allow fine adjustment of metabolism to meet the need of different development stages and help the different tissues and organs function properly depending on their physiology and in what kind of environment which they function. Hence these enzymes appear in specific regions of the body; differing in specifics organelles or tissues.
And that’s the generalization of isozymes.
Happy studing
Le Biochem Blog 