30 by: Sahil Dahiya

Student – Sahil Dahiya

Enzyme Name: Glucose Oxidase

E.C. Number: 1.1.3.4

Where is the enzyme found? Glucose Oxidase is an enzyme primarily found in fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Penicillium amagasakiense. It is also present in certain bacteria and is widespread in nature. The enzyme serves a protective function for microorganisms by converting glucose into hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a defense mechanism against pathogens.

What does the enzyme do? Glucose Oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of β-D-glucose to D-glucono-δ-lactone, utilizing oxygen (O₂) as the electron acceptor. During this process, oxygen is reduced to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which is a powerful oxidizing agent. The enzyme is highly specific for glucose and is used in various industries, particularly in the development of glucose biosensors for diabetes management.

Interesting Facts or Additional Information

• Industrial Uses: Glucose oxidase is extensively used in food preservation, as the hydrogen peroxide it produces can kill microorganisms. It’s also used in the baking industry to improve dough stability.
• Medical Applications: The enzyme is a key component of glucose biosensors used in devices like glucometers, which measure blood sugar levels.
• Evolutionary Adaptation: In fungi, glucose oxidase likely evolved as a defense mechanism to protect against bacteria and other microorganisms.

References:

• Scientific Papers:
  1. Bankar, S. B., Bule, M. V., Singhal, R. S., & Ananthanarayan, L. (2009). Glucose oxidase—An overview. Biotechnology Advances, 27(4), 489–501.
  2. García-García, M., Terrés, E., Marín, L., & Calderón, L. (2016). Enzyme electrode based on glucose oxidase and a conductive polymer for glucose biosensing. Materials Science and Engineering: C, 68, 392-398.
• Textbooks:
  1. Nelson, D. L., & Cox, M. M. (2021). Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (8th ed.). W. H. Freeman.
  2. Voet, D., & Voet, J. G. (2010). Biochemistry (4th ed.). Wiley.
• Websites:
  1. PubChem – Glucose Oxidase: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Glucose-Oxidase
  2. ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0008621515000160