Chapter 6, Problem 77TQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

Whether the catalytic –OH group is a strong or a weak nucleophile, when a free water molecule is excluded from an enzyme’s catalytic pocket.

Introduction:

In case of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, a pocket-like structure exists in the enzyme. This structural part of the enzyme is called the catalytic pocket. This region is composed of numerous functional groups, which mediate the enzymatic catalysis. In most cases, water is excluded from this catalytic pocket to create a suitable microenvironment.