Transferase

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In biochemistry, a transferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a functional group (e.g. a methyl or phosphate group) from one molecule (called the donor) to another (called the acceptor). For example, an enzyme that catalyzed this reaction would be a transferase:

A–X + B → A + B–X

In this example, A would be the donor, and B would be the acceptor. The donor is often a coenzyme.

1 Nomenclature
2 Classification
3 See also
4 References

[edit] Nomenclature

Proper names of transferases are formed as "donor:acceptor grouptransferase." However, other names are much more common. The common names of transferases are often formed as "acceptor grouptransferase" or "donor grouptransferase." For example, a DNA methyltransferase is a transferase that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to a DNA acceptor.

[edit] Classification

Transferases are classified as EC 2 in the EC number classification. Transferases can be further classified into nine subclasses:

EC 2.1 includes enzymes that transfer one-carbon groups
EC 2.2 includes enzymes that transfer aldehyde or ketone groups
EC 2.3 includes acyltransferases
EC 2.4 includes glycosyltransferases
EC 2.5 includes enzymes that transfer alkyl or aryl groups, other than methyl groups
EC 2.6 includes enzymes that transfer nitrogenous groups
EC 2.7 includes enzymes that transfer phosphorus-containing groups
EC 2.8 includes enzymes that transfer sulfur-containing groups
EC 2.9 includes enzymes that transfer selenium-containing groups