Which Reactions Do Isomerases Catalyze?

Isomerase, any one of a class of enzymes that catalyze reactions involving a structural rearrangement of a molecule. Alanine racemase, for example, catalyzes the conversion of L-alanine into its isomeric (mirror-image) form, D-alanine.

What do Isomerases do?

Isomerases catalyze isomerization reactions such as racemization and epimerization. They have not been used in many industrial applications. However, one of the most successful enzyme-based biocatalytic processes involves an isomerase: the use of glucose isomerase for the production of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

What type of reactions do oxidoreductases catalyze?

Oxidoreductases catalyze oxidation and reduction reactions that occur within the cell. However, it often needs expensive cofactors such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (e.g., NAD⁺/NADH) and flavines (e.g., FAD/FADH₂) in the reactions.