Enzymes that readily break starch apart cannot hydrolyze the glycosidic linkages found in cellulose. Why is this logical?
A) The geometry of the bonds is different, and the shapes of enzyme active sites are highly specific.
B) Starch is held together by hydrogen bonding, not covalent bonding.
C) Cellulose molecules are highly branched, and enzymes are too bulky to fit.
D) Starch is held together by peptide bonds, not glycosidic linkages.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The geometry of the glycosidic linkages in cellulose is different from the linkages in starch, and enzymes have specific shapes in their active sites that only fit certain substrates. Therefore, enzymes that can break down starch cannot do the same for cellulose.

Enzymes That Readily Break Starch Apart Cannot Hydrolyze the Glycosidic