Isoenzymes are enzymes with identical functions but different amino acid sequences produced by different genes. They are important for metabolic processes and can be used as biochemical markers to diagnose medical conditions. Gel electrophoresis can differentiate isoenzymes, and they are useful in population genetics to analyze genetic variation.
Isoenzymes are enzymes that catalyze identical chemical reactions but are composed of different amino acid sequences. They are sometimes referred to as isoenzymes. Isoenzymes are produced by different genes and are not redundant despite their similar functions. They occur in many tissues throughout the body and are important for several developmental and metabolic processes.
As an organism evolves, gene duplication occasionally occurs. This could be the result of homologous recombination or gene repair. When natural selection favors duplicated genetic material, as in cases where the same gene is useful for different processes, the duplicated code is retained and isoenzymes are formed.
Isoenzymes are useful biochemical markers and can be measured in the bloodstream to diagnose medical conditions. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are examples of isoenzymes commonly used for this purpose.
LDH is essential for anaerobic respiration. When oxygen levels are low, LDH converts pyruvate to lactate, providing a source of muscle energy. This enzyme exists in five isoenzyme varieties in the human body, numbered LDH-1 to LDH-5, and can be found in various tissues, including the heart, liver, and lungs.
Elevated levels of specific LDH isoenzymes may indicate tissue damage. For example, after a heart attack, the serum level of LDH-1 is higher than that of LDH-2 because damaged heart tissue, which is rich in LDH-1, releases that isoenzyme into the bloodstream. High levels of LDH-5 are found primarily in tumors and can indicate the presence of cancer.
ALP is an enzyme that removes phosphate groups from molecules in the body and is important for the proper functioning of the liver, intestines and placenta. Abnormally high or low levels of ALP can indicate a variety of conditions, including liver disease, bone disease, and pregnancy. An ALP isoenzyme is also involved in bone growth and high levels of this isoenzyme can indicate new bone formation.
Isoenzymes can be differentiated from each other by gel electrophoresis. In gel electrophoresis, isoenzyme fragments are pulled through a thick gel by an electrical charge. Each isoenzyme has its own distinct charge due to its unique amino acid sequence. This allows gel electrophoresis to separate the fragments into bands for identification.
As molecular markers, isoenzymes are useful in population genetics. Isoenzyme studies are conducted at the population level to analyze genetic variation and gene flow. The presence of isoenzymes can be analyzed in case of new phenotypes, or physiological variations, within species.
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