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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The geometry of glycosidic linkages between glucose molecules in cellulose is different from those found in starch. Enzyme active sites are highly specific and can only fit substrates with the correct geometry. Thus, enzymes that are capable of hydrolyzing starch molecules may not be able to break apart the glycosidic linkages found in cellulose.

Enzymes That Readily Break Starch Apart Cannot Hydrolyze the Glycosidic