Which of the following reactions can be catalyzed by a decarboxylase?


a. <IMAGE>
b. <IMAGE>

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify what a decarboxylase enzyme does: it catalyzes the removal of a carboxyl group ($-COOH$) from a molecule, releasing carbon dioxide ($C{O}_2$).
2. Examine the given reactions (a and b) to determine if either involves the removal of a carboxyl group.
3. For each reaction, look for a change where a carboxyl group is removed from the reactant side and $C{O}_2$ is produced on the product side.
4. If a reaction shows the conversion of a carboxylic acid group into $C{O}_2$ and a smaller organic molecule, it is likely catalyzed by a decarboxylase.
5. Select the reaction that matches the criteria of decarboxylation, where $C{O}_2$ is a product and a carboxyl group is removed.

Key Concepts

Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that involves the removal of a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a molecule, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is crucial in various metabolic pathways, particularly in the conversion of amino acids to amines and in the Krebs cycle. Understanding this reaction is essential for identifying which substrates can be acted upon by decarboxylases.

Decarboxylases

Decarboxylases are a specific class of enzymes that facilitate the decarboxylation process. They play a vital role in biochemical reactions by accelerating the removal of carboxyl groups from substrates, often leading to the formation of amines or other products. Knowledge of the types of substrates that decarboxylases can act upon is necessary to answer questions regarding their catalytic capabilities.

Enzyme Specificity

Enzyme specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to select and catalyze a particular substrate among many possible candidates. This concept is crucial in biochemistry, as it determines the efficiency and regulation of metabolic pathways. Understanding the structural and functional characteristics of decarboxylases helps in predicting which reactions they can catalyze based on the substrates presented.