Thioesterases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of thioester bonds, playing a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism and the biosynthesis of polyketides and nonribosomal peptides. Their activity is essential for terminating the elongation process of fatty acid chains and releasing the final product from the enzyme complex.

Thioesterase

Thioesterases

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction. They are highly specific to their substrates and operate under optimal conditions of temperature and pH to maintain efficient metabolic processes.

Enzymes

Hydrolysis of thioester bonds

Fatty acid metabolism is a crucial biological process that involves the breakdown and synthesis of fatty acids, providing energy and building blocks for cellular functions. It includes pathways like beta-oxidation for energy production and lipogenesis for the synthesis of fatty acids, tightly regulated by hormonal and nutritional signals.

Fatty Acid Metabolism

Biosynthesis of polyketides

Biosynthesis of nonribosomal peptides

Elongation process of fatty acid chains

Releasing the final product

An enzyme complex is a multi-protein assembly that works synergistically to catalyze biochemical reactions with enhanced efficiency and regulation. These complexes often facilitate substrate channeling, where intermediates are directly transferred between active sites, minimizing diffusion and increasing reaction speed.

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