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Enzymes?

Can enzymes work outside a cell? Vitamin C has the enzyme ascorbic acid oxidase, but when Vitamin C is in orange juice does the enzyme still work? Thanks!

Reply 1

gdunne42

Original post by FKLW

Can enzymes work outside a cell? Vitamin C has the enzyme ascorbic acid oxidase, but when Vitamin C is in orange juice does the enzyme still work? Thanks!

Yes in general enzymes can work outside of a cell as long as the conditions don't cause them to denature

Enzymes are sensitive to temperature and pH and other factors that may stop them from working.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 2

FKLW

Original post by gdunne42

So when Vitamin C the molecule is in orange juice will it contain the enzyme oxidase and will it be functioning?

Reply 3

gdunne42

Yes it is present at low levels in oranges and yes it will function when oranges are pressed for juice unless something is done to inhibit it.

Posted from TSR Mobile

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 4

Kallisto

Entertainment Forum Helper

Original post by FKLW

Can enzymes work outside a cell? (...)

Yes, there are enzymes which are not only working inside of a cell, but also outside too. As far as I know alpha amylase is an enzyme which exist in saliva to split inter alia the starch and glycogen. So it is outside of the cell.

Reply 5

Brachioradialis

Many organisms also produce enzymes specifically for outside the cell. The biggest kingdom that does that is the fungal kingdom, who saprophytically digest organic matter using enzymes.