The enzyme lysozyme catalyzes the cutting of a polysaccharide chain through hydrolysis. Which of the following is NOT true regarding the catalytic cycle for this enzyme?
A) It involves acid catalysis.
B) It involves base catalysis.
C) It involves strain catalysis.
D) It involves covalent catalysis.
E) It involves metal ion catalysis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lysozyme uses several mechanisms to accelerate the reaction by several orders of magnitude. The process involves using amino acid side chains that act as acids (donate protons) or bases (accept protons) during the catalytic cycle, straining the substrate to expose the target bonds, and even forming a temporary covalent linkage with one half of the substrate. However, metal ions are not used by this enzyme for catalysis.

The Enzyme Lysozyme Catalyzes the Cutting of a Polysaccharide Chain