Glucosidases are the glycoside hydrolase enzymes categorized under the EC number 3.2.1.
Function Alpha-glucosidases are enzymes involved in breaking down complex carbohydrates such as starch and glycogen into their monomers.
They catalyze the cleavage of individual glucosyl residues from various glycoconjugates including alpha- or beta-linked polymers of glucose. This enzyme converts complex sugars into simpler ones.
Members Different sources include different members in this class. Members marked with a "#" are considered by MeSH to be glucosidases.
Name EC Description α-Amylase is a digestive enzyme in mammals β-Amylase is a plant enzyme to break down starch γ-Amylase is a digestive enzyme Cellulase # breaks down cellulose from plant material Sucrase-isomaltase -Mannosyl-oligosaccharide glucosidase #EC 3.2.1.106catalyzes the first trimming step of the N-glycosylation pathway; is associated with Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation type IIb Acid α-glucosidase # is associated with Glycogen storage disease type II Beta-glucosidase # is associated with Gaucher's disease
Lactase one member of the β-galactosidase family, breaks down milk sugars, and its absence in adulthood causes lactose intolerance Debranching enzyme # in mammals, yeast and some bacteria, combines transferase and glucosidase activity in glycogen breakdown Pullulanase has been used as a detergent
Clinical significance Alpha-glucosidases are targeted by alpha-glucosidase inhibitors such as acarbose and miglitol to control diabetes mellitus type 2.
See also DNA glycosylases Mucopolysaccharidoses
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