Which enzyme is primarily involved in the metabolism of uric acid?

Which enzyme is primarily involved in the metabolism of uric acid?

• A. Urease
• B. Uricase
• C. Aminotransferase
• D. Alkaline phosphatase

Answer: (B)

The enzyme primarily involved in the metabolism of uric acid is uricase. Uricase catalyzes the conversion of uric acid into allantoin, which is more soluble and can be more easily excreted by the body. This function is crucial because high levels of uric acid can lead to conditions such as gout and kidney stones; therefore, effective metabolism is important for maintaining uric acid levels within a healthy range. Urease, while involved in the breakdown of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, does not have a role in uric acid metabolism. Aminotransferase enzymes are primarily involved in amino acid metabolism and the transamination processes of nitrogen compounds; they do not interact with uric acid directly. Alkaline phosphatase functions primarily in dephosphorylation processes, regulating various biochemical pathways, but it is not involved in uric acid metabolism. Thus, uricase is the correct choice as it specifically facilitates the conversion of uric acid, demonstrating its essential role in purine metabolism and the regulation of uric acid levels in the body.

The enzyme primarily involved in the metabolism of uric acid is uricase. Uricase catalyzes the conversion of uric acid into allantoin, which is more soluble and can be more easily excreted by the body. This function is crucial because high levels of uric acid can lead to conditions such as gout and kidney stones; therefore, effective metabolism is important for maintaining uric acid levels within a healthy range.

Urease, while involved in the breakdown of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, does not have a role in uric acid metabolism. Aminotransferase enzymes are primarily involved in amino acid metabolism and the transamination processes of nitrogen compounds; they do not interact with uric acid directly. Alkaline phosphatase functions primarily in dephosphorylation processes, regulating various biochemical pathways, but it is not involved in uric acid metabolism.

Thus, uricase is the correct choice as it specifically facilitates the conversion of uric acid, demonstrating its essential role in purine metabolism and the regulation of uric acid levels in the body.