Glucose oxidase

Glucose oxidase (GOx) is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of glucose to hydrogen peroxide and D-glucono-δ-lactone. This enzyme is produced by certain species of fungi and insects and displays antibacterial properties.

Structure

Glucose oxidase is a dimeric protein with each monomer weighing approximately 80,000 daltons. Each monomer contains a tightly bound flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) molecule, which is essential for the enzyme's catalytic activity.

Function

The primary function of glucose oxidase is to break down glucose, producing hydrogen peroxide and D-glucono-δ-lactone in the process. The hydrogen peroxide produced can be used by other enzymes, such as peroxidase, to carry out a variety of reactions.

Applications

Glucose oxidase has a wide range of applications in different fields. In the food industry, it is used to remove glucose from egg whites to prevent browning. In medicine, it is used in glucose monitoring devices for people with diabetes. In biotechnology, it is used in the production of biofuel cells.

See also

• Enzyme
• Glucose
• Hydrogen peroxide
• D-glucono-δ-lactone
• Fungi
• Insects
• Dimeric protein
• Flavin adenine dinucleotide
• Peroxidase
• Food industry
• Medicine
• Diabetes
• Biotechnology
• Biofuel cells