To which class do the enzymes responsible for binding two molecules belong? A) Hydrolases B) Transferases C) Ligases D) Oxidoreductases E) Lyases

Breakdown of the Problem

1. Identify the function of enzymes categorized into different classes.
2. Determine which class is specifically responsible for binding two molecules together.

Relevant Concepts

• Hydrolases: Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of chemical bonds.
• Transferases: Enzymes that facilitate the transfer of functional groups from one molecule to another.
• Ligases: Enzymes that catalyze the joining of two large molecules by forming a bond, often accompanied by the hydrolysis of a pyrophosphate bond in ATP or another nucleoside triphosphate.
• Oxidoreductases: Enzymes that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions.
• Lyases: Enzymes that catalyze the addition of groups to double bonds or the removal of groups to form double bonds.

Analysis and Detail

Ligases are specifically responsible for catalyzing the joining of two molecules. This process typically requires energy input, usually from ATP, to form a covalent bond between the two substrates. Their role is critical in biological processes such as DNA replication and repair.

Verify and Summarize

Among the provided options, the function of binding two distinct molecules is most accurately performed by ligases. Hydrolases and transferases perform different functions, and oxidoreductases and lyases serve their unique catalytic activities apart from direct binding.

Final Answer

C) Ligases