Which of the following enzyme is a hydrolase ?

Options

A. Amylase
B. Histidine decarboxylase
C. Pyruvate carboxylase
D. Both (2) & (3)

Answer

To determine which enzyme is a hydrolase, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand what an enzyme is
An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are proteins that facilitate various biochemical reactions.

**Hint:** Remember that enzymes are categorized based on the type of reaction they catalyze.

### Step 2: Identify the classification of enzymes
Enzymes are classified into different categories based on the type of reaction they catalyze. One of these categories is hydrolases.

**Hint:** Look for the specific function of hydrolases, which involves the use of water in reactions.

### Step 3: Define hydrolases
Hydrolases are enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of chemical substances by adding water. This process is known as hydrolysis.

**Hint:** Hydrolysis involves the addition of water to break bonds in molecules.

### Step 4: Analyze the options provided
Now, we need to look at the options given in the question and determine which one represents a hydrolase.

1. **Amylase** - This enzyme breaks down starch into sugars by adding water, making it a hydrolase.
2. **Histidine carboxylase** - This enzyme does not primarily use water to break bonds; it is not a hydrolase.
3. **Pyruvate carboxylase** - Similar to histidine carboxylase, it does not function as a hydrolase.

**Hint:** Focus on the function of each enzyme to see if they involve hydrolysis.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **Amylase**, as it is the only enzyme listed that functions as a hydrolase by breaking down substances using water.

**Final Answer:** Amylase is the hydrolase enzyme among the options provided.