Robert DiSilvestro wrote:
>I am reviewing a paper where the term "isozymes" is being used
in a way I
>do not typically use it. I'm not sure if my limited use is
correct. I tend
>to use the term for enzymes with similar catalytic activity,
but fairly subtle
>structural differences. Would one apply the term to 3 enzymes
which
>have totally different structures, but the same catalytic
action?
My tendency is the same as yours, but may I throw another term
into
the ring? Namely: --isoforms-- . I have understood this term
to apply
to very closely related forms of the same enzyme, differing
perhaps in
a single amino acid, or just a few, resulting in a slight shift
in isoelectric
point. So in an IEF gel you could get a group of closely
separated bands
with the same activity. How does this fit in with isozymes?
Phil Harrison
arsphys at cc.usu.edu
