Isomerases
Isomerases are a type of enzyme that facilitate the rearrangement of atoms within a molecule, converting one isomer into another. Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of their atoms, leading to different properties. Isomerases play a crucial role in various biological processes, including metabolism and the synthesis of biomolecules.
These enzymes can be classified into several categories, such as racemases, which convert between different optical isomers, and mutases, which shift functional groups within a molecule. By enabling these transformations, isomerases help maintain the balance of biochemical pathways and support cellular functions.