Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Genetic Engineering of an Unconventional Yeast for Renewable Biofuel and Biochemical Production
Published on: September 20, 2016
alpha-1,4-Glucan lyase performs a trans-elimination via a nucleophilic displacement followed by a syn-elimination
Seung Seo Lee1, Shukun Yu, Stephen G Withers
1Department of Chemistry, Protein Engineering Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z1.
Abstract:
alpha-Glucan lyase (EC 4.2.2.13, GLase) cleaves alpha-1,4-glucosidic bonds via an elimination reaction to produce 1,5-d-anhydrofructose. GLase was inactivated by the mechanism based alpha-glucosidase inactivator, 5-fluoro-beta-l-idosyl fluoride. The trapped glycosyl-enzyme intermediate was isolated and the nucleophilic amino acid residue (Asp 553) identified is equivalent to the residue so identified in sequence-related alpha-glucosidases. This intermediate undergoes a syn-elimination reaction to release the product. Further evidence against a direct trans-elimination mechanism was provided by the absence of a primary kinetic isotope effect on the substrate substituted with deuterium at the C2 position.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Energy-requiring Steps of Glycolysis
Energy-releasing Steps of Glycolysis
The first energy-releasing step—the 6th step of glycolysis —consists of two...
Base Excision Repair
The first step of...
Glycolysis: Preparatory Phase
Phase I Reactions: Reductive Reactions
Production of Alcohol

