We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Synthase?

Daniel Liden
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 9,287
Share

A synthase is a specific type of enzyme that catalyzes synthetic chemical reactions, or chemical reactions in which a number of reactants combine to form a product. An enzyme is a common type of protein; different enzymes catalyze different and generally highly-specific chemical reactions that may or may not be synthetic in nature. Catalysis is a chemical process by which a catalyst reduces the energy requirements of a chemical reaction, thereby greatly speeding up the reaction. It is important to note that a catalyst is not actually consumed by a chemical reaction, so an enzyme such as synthase may catalyze the same type of chemical reaction many times.

Synthase enzymes belong to a larger family of enzymes known as ligase enzymes. A ligase is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of new chemical bonds between previously separate molecules. While there are many different varieties of ligases, the ligase family focuses primarily on only a few different types of chemical bonds that are particularly common in biochemical reactions. Such bonds include carbon-carbon, carbon-oxygen, and carbon-nitrogen bonds. Carbon is the most important of all of the common atoms that appear in biochemical reactions within organisms, so many enzymes are devoted to ensuring that it binds properly in order to form essential organic molecules.

One example of a common and important type of synthase is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase. ATP synthase is an encompassing name for any enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of ATP, one of the most important energy-containing molecules used in cellular metabolism. ATP is formed through the synthesis of adenosine diphosphate or adenosine monophosphate and one or more inorganic phosphate groups. ATP synthase catalyzes the synthesis of these molecules, greatly reducing the energy barrier of the reaction and making ATP synthesis energetically feasible. Some energy is still required in order for the synthesis reaction to occur, but the presence of an enzyme ensures the energy requirement does not prevent the reaction from proceeding at the appropriate rate.

Synthases and other enzymes are commonly studied in biochemistry, biology, and organic chemistry, as their precise roles in many important chemical processes are still not fully understood. Enzymes such as synthase are very important in the health sciences, as many of the reactions they catalyze are important to the cause or prevention of various diseases and illnesses. Learning their particular mechanisms of action may allow health scientists to enhance or restrict their actions in order to fight such illnesses.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Daniel Liden
By Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden, a talented writer with a passion for cutting-edge topics and data analysis, brings a unique perspective to his work. With a diverse academic background, he crafts compelling content on complex subjects, showcasing his ability to effectively communicate intricate ideas. He is skilled at understanding and connecting with target audiences, making him a valuable contributor.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden, a talented writer with a passion for cutting-edge topics and data analysis, brings a unique perspective to...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-synthase.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.