NEETBotanyBiomolecules (B)
What is the role of metal ions in enzymes?
Options
- ATo form coordination bonds with the substrate.
- BTo serve as co-factors.
- CTo be a part of the active site.
- DTo be essential chemical components.
Correct answer
A. To form coordination bonds with the substrate.
Step-by-step solution
A number of enzymes require metal ions for their activity which form coordination bonds with side chains at the active site and at the same time form one or more coordination bonds with the substrate, e.g., zinc is a cofactor for the proteolytic enzyme carboxypeptidase. Catalytic activity is lost when the co-factor is removed from the enzyme which testifies that they play a crucial role in the catalytic activity of the enzyme.