endoglikozidases

Endoglikozidases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of internal glycosidic bonds within polysaccharide chains. These enzymes are crucial for breaking down complex carbohydrates into smaller oligosaccharides or monosaccharides. They act within a polysaccharide molecule, cleaving bonds at various points rather than exclusively at the ends of the chain. This distinguishes them from exoglycosidases, which sequentially remove monosaccharide units from the non-reducing end of a polysaccharide.

The activity of endoglikozidases is highly specific, often targeting particular types of glycosidic linkages (e.g., alpha-1,4, beta-1,4) and sometimes specific sequences within a polysaccharide. This specificity is determined by the enzyme's active site, which is shaped to accommodate the particular sugar residues and the orientation of the glycosidic bond. Examples of endoglikozidases include cellulases, which break down cellulose, and amylases, which degrade starch. These enzymes play vital roles in various biological processes, such as digestion, nutrient release in plants, and the modification of cell walls. In industrial applications, endoglikozidases are used in food processing, biofuel production, and textile manufacturing.