The enzyme fumarase catalyzes the reversible hydration of fumaric acid to l-malate, but it will not catalyze the hydration of maleic acid, the cis isomer of fumaric acid. This is an example of: A. biological activity. B. chiral activity. C. racemization. D. stereoisomerization. E. stereospecificity.

Biology · College · Thu Feb 04 2021

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Correct answer is e ( stereospecificity) . 

The enzyme fumarase catalyzes the reversible hydration of fumaric acid to l-malate, but it will not catalyze the hydration of maleic acid, the cis isomer of fumaric acid. This is an example of stereospecificity . 

Stereospecific: A reaction in which the stereochemistry of the reactants controls the outcome of the reaction. In general, one stereoisomer of certain reactant produces one stereoisomer of a certain product, whereas a different stereoisomer of the same reactant produces a different stereoisomer of the same product. 

stereospecific mechanism specifies the stereochemical outcome of a given reactant,  

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