Glucosidases

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Enzyme class that hydrolyzes glycosidic bonds


Glucosidases






Overview[edit | edit source]

Structure of a typical glucosidase enzyme

Glucosidases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds in complex sugars, leading to the release of glucose. These enzymes play a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates and are found in various organisms, including bacteria, plants, and animals.

Classification[edit | edit source]

Glucosidases are classified based on their substrate specificity and the type of glycosidic bond they cleave. The main types include:

  • _-glucosidases: These enzymes specifically target _-glycosidic bonds. They are involved in the final steps of carbohydrate digestion in the small intestine, breaking down maltose and sucrose into glucose.
  • _-glucosidases: These enzymes hydrolyze _-glycosidic bonds. They are important in the degradation of cellulose and other plant polysaccharides.

Function[edit | edit source]

Glucosidases are essential for the conversion of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars that can be absorbed by the body. In humans, they are critical for the digestion of dietary carbohydrates, providing a source of energy. In plants, glucosidases are involved in the mobilization of stored carbohydrates during seed germination.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Glucosidases function by binding to the substrate and facilitating the cleavage of the glycosidic bond through a series of chemical reactions. This process often involves the formation of a covalent enzyme-substrate intermediate and the participation of catalytic residues within the enzyme's active site.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Glucosidases have several applications in biotechnology and medicine. They are used in the production of biofuels from plant biomass, in the food industry for the processing of starch, and as targets for drugs used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, where inhibitors of glucosidases can help control blood sugar levels.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD