Abstract
The nature of each of the main groups of cellular macromolecules is outlined here, and followed in each case by a description of the main degradative enzymes likely to act on the substrates, and their mode of action. The most important degradative reaction is hydrolysis; to illustrate the immense potential of cellular hydrolytic enzymes, the current classification of these enzymes, together with their enzyme group numbers (E.C.) is shown in Table 3.1. Since each group comprises several enzymes, the enzyme armoury is impressive.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Bibliography
Barman, T. E. (1969), The Enzyme Handbook — Vols. 1 and 2, Springer, Vienna.
Summarized information on all known enzymes.
Methods in Enzymology.
Recent volumes cover in more detail most of the hydrolases of interest.
Barret, A. J. (1977) (Edit.)Proteinases in Mammalian Cells and Tissues, North Holland, Amsterdam.
An excellent comprehensive treatise.
Barrett, A. J. and Heath, M. F. (1977), in Lysosomes, a laboratory handbook, 2nd edition. (Ed.) J. T. Dingle, pp. 19-145, North Holland, Amsterdam.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1978 R. T. Dean
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Dean, R.T. (1978). The chemistry of biological macromolecules and their degradation. In: Cellular Degradative Processes. Outline Studies in Biology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7230-9_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7230-9_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-412-15190-3
Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-7230-9
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive