Understanding the Role of Zinc Ion in Alcohol Dehydrogenase Catalysis

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In summary, alcohol dehydrogenase is an enzyme that breaks down ethanol and requires a zinc ion to function. The zinc ion acts as a cofactor, helping the enzyme interact with ethanol at its active sites. It is not a coenzyme and does not carry substrates to the enzyme.
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gabby21090
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Homework Statement



Alcohol dehydrogenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the catabolism of ethanol (an alcohol). In order to function, the enzyme requires a zinc ion (Zn++).
What is the best description of Zn++ in relation to alcohol dehydrogenase?

The zinc ion also acts as an enzyme.
The zinc ion carries substrates to the enzymes.
The zinc ion is one of the products of the reaction catalyzed by this enzyme.
The zinc ion helps the enzyme interact with ethanol at the active sites.
The zinc ion is a coenzyme.

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The Attempt at a Solution



I know zinc is a cofactor not a coenzyme and it doesn't carry the substrate to the enzyme but i can't figure out what the best answer is
 
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Which answers can you eliminate?
 

FAQ: Understanding the Role of Zinc Ion in Alcohol Dehydrogenase Catalysis

What is zinc ion's role in alcohol dehydrogenase catalysis?

The zinc ion serves as a cofactor in the catalytic mechanism of alcohol dehydrogenase. It helps to stabilize the enzyme's structure and plays a crucial role in the binding and activation of the substrate.

How does the zinc ion bind to alcohol dehydrogenase?

The zinc ion binds to specific amino acid residues, such as cysteine and histidine, in the active site of alcohol dehydrogenase. This binding allows for the formation of a stable complex between the enzyme and the substrate.

What happens to the zinc ion during the catalytic reaction?

The zinc ion remains bound to the enzyme throughout the catalytic reaction. It serves as an electron acceptor, helping to facilitate the transfer of electrons from the substrate to the enzyme and ultimately to the coenzyme NAD+.

How does the presence of zinc ion affect the enzyme's catalytic activity?

The presence of zinc ion is essential for the proper functioning of alcohol dehydrogenase. Without it, the enzyme's catalytic activity is greatly reduced. Zinc ion helps to stabilize the enzyme's structure and promotes efficient binding and activation of the substrate, thus enhancing the enzyme's catalytic activity.

Is zinc ion necessary for alcohol dehydrogenase to function?

Yes, zinc ion is necessary for alcohol dehydrogenase to function properly. Without it, the enzyme's catalytic activity is significantly reduced or even completely abolished. Additionally, zinc ion also plays a role in regulating the enzyme's activity, making it an essential component for the proper functioning of alcohol dehydrogenase.

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