Epimerase belongs to the class of enzymes

Options

A. Hydrolases
B. ligases
C. Isomerases
D. Oxidoreductases.

Answer

To determine the class of enzymes to which epimerase belongs, we can analyze the characteristics of the given options step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the function of epimerase
Epimerase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of one epimer into another. Epimers are a type of stereoisomer that differ in configuration at only one specific carbon atom. This means that epimerases facilitate the rearrangement of molecular structures.

**Hint:** Look for enzymes that change the configuration of molecules at specific carbon atoms.

### Step 2: Analyze the options provided
1. **Hydrolases**: These enzymes catalyze the cleavage of chemical bonds by the addition of water. They typically break down larger molecules into smaller ones. Since epimerase does not cleave bonds but rearranges them, this option is incorrect.

**Hint:** Hydrolases involve breaking down molecules, which is not the function of epimerase.

2. **Ligases**: These enzymes join two large molecules together by forming new chemical bonds, often using energy from ATP. Since epimerase does not join molecules but rearranges them, this option is also incorrect.

**Hint:** Ligases are about joining molecules, while epimerases rearrange them.

3. **Isomerases**: These enzymes catalyze the rearrangement of molecular structures, converting one isomer into another. Since epimerase changes the configuration of a specific carbon atom in a molecule, it fits the definition of an isomerase.

**Hint:** Isomerases are responsible for rearranging structures, which aligns with the function of epimerase.

4. **Oxidoreductases**: These enzymes facilitate the transfer of electrons between molecules, typically involving oxidation and reduction reactions. Since epimerase does not involve electron transfer but rather structural rearrangement, this option is incorrect.

**Hint:** Oxidoreductases focus on electron transfer, not structural changes.

### Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, epimerase belongs to the class of enzymes known as **isomerases**. This is because it catalyzes the rearrangement of molecular structures, specifically changing the configuration at one carbon atom.

**Final Answer:** Epimerase belongs to the class of enzymes called **isomerases**.