Question

1) Briefly explain the role of the iron (Fe2+) cofactor in the conversion of arachidonic acid to leukotrienes catalysed by lipoxygenase enzymes.

2) Using chemical structures and a reaction mechanism to illustrate your answer, provide an example of concerted acid-base catalysis in enzyme catalysis AND briefly explain why this is not possible in the absence of an enzyme.

Answer 1

1) in arachidonic metabolism, iron acting as a cofactor and have major role. heme is an essential cofactor for peroxidase, lipoxygenase, and cyclo-oxygenases. here heme assisting the activity of lipoxygeease.enzymes for the conversion of arachidonic acid to leukotrienes.

2) it is an example of concerted acid - base catalysis..

without enzymes these Processes are not taking place. enzymes facilitate cleavage of the bonds by the addition of the water. also enzymes transfer protons. creation or disappearance and transfer is greatly done by the various enzymes in the reaction