Enzymes are primarily classified into six main categories based on the type of reaction they catalyze. These categories are:
- Oxidoreductases: Enzymes that facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions, where the transfer of electrons occurs between molecules.
- Transferases: Enzymes that transfer functional groups (like methyl or phosphate groups) from one molecule to another.
- Hydrolases: Enzymes that catalyze the breaking of bonds through the addition of water, commonly seen in digestion.
- Lyases: Enzymes that facilitate the addition or removal of groups to form double bonds or vice versa, often producing a new structure.
- Isomerases: Enzymes that catalyze the rearrangement of molecular structures, converting a molecule into its isomer.
- S ligases: Enzymes that join two molecules together using ATP or another energy source.
These classifications help in understanding the different functions of enzymes in biological processes. Each group plays a crucial role in metabolism, signaling, and other vital biochemical pathways.