25 Examples of Enzymes & Their Functions

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up the reactions in living organisms.

Examples of Enzymes

Here are few examples of enzymes and their functions:

1.    Amylase      

Function: Breaks down starch into maltose, a simpler sugar.

2.    Lipase

Function: Catalyzes the hydrolysis of fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

3.    Pepsin

Function: Breaks down proteins into smaller peptides in the stomach.

4.    DNA Polymerase

Function: Synthesizes new DNA strands during replication.

5.    RNA Polymerase

Function: Catalyzes transcription, creating RNA molecules from DNA templates.

6.    Catalase     

Function: Converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

7.    Trypsin

Function: Digests proteins into smaller peptides in the small intestine.

8.    Ribonuclease

Function: Cleaves RNA molecules into smaller fragments.

9.    DNA Ligase

Function: Joins DNA fragments and seals gaps in the DNA backbone.

10. Maltase      

Function: Converts maltose into glucose for absorption in the small intestine.

11. ATP Synthase        

Function: Generates ATP, a vital energy molecule, in mitochondria.

12. Urease

Function: Converts urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide in some bacteria.

13. Lactase

Function: Breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose in the small intestine.

14. Hydrogenase

Function: Catalyzes the reversible conversion of hydrogen gas and protons into electrons.

15. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Enzymes

Function: Used to amplify DNA segments in molecular biology.

16. Phosphatase

 Function: Removes phosphate groups from molecules during cellular processes.

17. Hexokinase

Function: Phosphorylates glucose in the first step of glycolysis.

18. Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase

Function: Attaches amino acids to tRNA molecules.

19. Phosphorylase

Function: Converts glycogen into glucose units for energy.

20. DNA Helicase

Function: Unwinds DNA double helix during replication and repair.

21. Carbonic Anhydrase

Function: Catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid.

22. Isomerase Enzymes

Function: Converts one molecule’s isomer into another.

23. Peptidase

Function: Hydrolyzes peptide bonds, breaking down proteins into amino acids.

24. Glycosidase

Function: Breaks glycosidic bonds in carbohydrates.

25. Enolase

Function: Catalyzes the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate in glycolysis.