The numbers in the Enzyme Commission (EC) number for levan sucrase (EC 2.4.1.10) refer to specific aspects of the enzyme's classification within the enzyme nomenclature system
EC Number: 2.4.1.10
The first digit (2) refers to the class of the enzyme:
Class 2: Transferases. These enzymes catalyze the transfer of a functional group (e.g., a methyl or glycosyl group) from one molecule (the donor) to another (the acceptor).
The second digit (4) refers to the subclass:
Subclass 4:
Glycosyltransferases. This subclass of transferases specifically transfers glycosyl groups, which are sugar moieties.
The third digit (1) refers to the sub-subclass:
Sub-subclass 1: Hexosyltransferases. This group of glycosyltransferases transfers hexose sugars (six-carbon sugars, such as glucose or fructose).
The fourth digit (10) is the serial number of the enzyme in its sub-subclass:
Serial number 10: This indicates that levan sucrase is the 10th enzyme cataloged in the hexosyltransferases (EC 2.4.1) sub-subclass.
10 = The specific enzyme, in this case, levan sucrase.
Levan sucrase (EC 2.4.1.10) specifically catalyzes the transfer of fructosyl residues from sucrose to a fructan chain, leading to the synthesis of levan, a type of fructan.
The enzyme nomenclature system used for levan sucrase, designated as EC 2.4.1.10, is part of the Enzyme Commission (EC) numbering system, which categorizes enzymes based on the reactions they catalyze.
The numbers in EC 2.4.1.10 are organized as follows:
2: This first number classifies the enzyme as a transferase, which means it catalyzes the transfer of a functional group (in this case, glycosyl groups) from one molecule to another.
4: The second number indicates that the enzyme is a glycosyltransferase, meaning it specifically transfers glycosyl groups (sugar moieties).
1: The third number specifies that the enzyme transfers a hexosyl group, which is a six-carbon sugar group (like glucose or fructose).
10: The fourth number is the unique identifier for the specific enzyme within the subgroup. In this case, 1.10 refers specifically to levan sucrase, which catalyzes the transfer of fructosyl residues from sucrose to produce levan, a type of polysaccharide.
So, the 1 and 10 in EC 2.4.1.10 help define the enzyme's specific reaction within the broader categories of transferases and glycosyltransferases.
I would add that inulosocrase (EC2.4.1.9) catalyzes a similar reaction, the transfer of fructosyl residues from sucrose to produce inulin, another type of polysaccharide.
I hope this helps in understanding the enzyme nomenclature system.