Why Molybdoenzyme can both oxidise and reduce the substrate?
• Unique active site: Molybdoenzymes have a unique active site that contains a molybdenum cofactor. This cofactor can exist in multiple oxidation states, allowing the enzyme to both oxidise and reduce substrates.
• Redox reactions: The molybdenum cofactor in molybdoenzymes can undergo redox reactions, where it can accept or donate electrons to substrates. This ability allows the enzyme to catalyse both oxidation and reduction reactions.
• Substrate specificity: Molybdoenzymes have a specific binding site for their substrates, which allows them to interact with a wide range of molecules. This versatility enables them to catalyse both oxidation and reduction reactions depending on the substrate.
• Regulation: Molybdoenzymes can be regulated by factors such as pH, temperature, and cofactor availability. These regulatory mechanisms allow the enzyme to switch between oxidation and reduction reactions based on the cellular environment.
In conclusion, the unique active site, redox capabilities, substrate specificity, and regulatory mechanisms of molybdoenzymes enable them to both oxidise and reduce substrates effectively.