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Question

Which of the following types of molecules act as biological catalysts?
[P] Protein
[Q] RNA
[R] Phospholipid

The correct answer is
P and Q only

Understanding Biological Catalysts

Biological catalysts, known as enzymes, speed up biochemical reactions within living organisms without being consumed in the process.

Analyzing Molecule Types and Catalysis

  • Proteins (P): The vast majority of enzymes are proteins. Their complex three-dimensional structures allow them to bind specifically to reactant molecules (substrates) and facilitate chemical transformations. Therefore, proteins act as biological catalysts.
  • RNA (Q): Certain RNA molecules, called ribozymes, possess catalytic activity. They can catalyze reactions like RNA splicing and peptide bond formation. Thus, RNA can also function as a biological catalyst.
  • Phospholipids (R): Phospholipids are fundamental components of cell membranes, forming the lipid bilayer. They are primarily structural and regulatory molecules, not known to act as biological catalysts.

Conclusion on Catalytic Molecules

Based on the analysis, both proteins (P) and RNA (Q) molecules can function as biological catalysts. Phospholipids (R) do not typically perform this role.

Therefore, the correct types of molecules acting as biological catalysts are P and Q only.

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Important Questions from Enzyme Classification Catalytic and Regulatory Strategies

  1. Correctly match the Coenzyme with its respective involvement in a specific Reaction type.
    CoenzymeReaction type
    P. Thiamine pyrophosphate1. Acyl group transfer
    Q. Tetrahydrofolate2. Transfer of one carbon group
    R. Flavin adenine dinucleotide3. Transfer of methyl group
    S. 5'-Deoxyadenosyl cobalamin4. Oxidation-reduction
    5. Aldehyde transfer
  2. An enzyme catalyzes a reaction by
  3. The activity of an enzyme is expressed in International Units (IU). However, the S.I. unit for enzyme activity is Katal. One Katal is
  4. Match the entries inGroup I with the enzymes inGroup II.
    Group IGroup II
    P. NAD$^+$1. Glutathione peroxidase
    Q. Selenium2. Nitrogenase
    R. Pyridoxal phosphate3. Lactate dehydrogenase
    S. Molybdenum4. Glycogen phosphorylase
  5. Determine the correctness or otherwise of the following Assertion (a) and the Reason (r)

    Assertion: A very low amount of inhibitor can act as an activator for allosteric enzymes. 

    Reason: Allosteric enzymes follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics.

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