Transglycosylation is a biochemical process where a glycosidic bond is cleaved and re-formed with a different acceptor molecule, often used in the synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycosides. This reaction is catalyzed by glycoside hydrolases or glycosyltransferases and is significant in both natural and engineered biosynthetic pathways.

Transglycosylation

A biochemical process refers to the chemical reactions and pathways that occur within living organisms to sustain life. These processes involve the transformation of molecules through enzymatic activities, playing crucial roles in metabolism, cellular respiration, and genetic information processing.

Biochemical Process

A glycosidic bond is a type of covalent bond that connects a carbohydrate molecule to another group, which may or may not be another carbohydrate. This bond is crucial in the formation of disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, playing an essential role in the structure and function of various biological molecules like DNA, RNA, and glycogen.

Glycosidic Bond

Acceptor molecule

Synthesis of oligosaccharides

Synthesis of glycosides

Glycoside hydrolases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds in complex sugars, playing a crucial role in the degradation of carbohydrates and the processing of biomass. These enzymes are essential in various biological processes and industrial applications, including biofuel production, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

Glycoside Hydrolases

Glycosyltransferases are enzymes that facilitate the transfer of sugar moieties from activated donor molecules to specific acceptor molecules, forming glycosidic bonds. These enzymes are crucial in the biosynthesis of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and glycoconjugates, playing a significant role in various biological processes including cell signaling and immune response.

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