Question

Which of the following are high molecular weight water-soluble derivatives which are used for derivatization of co-enzymes?

(a) Dextrans

(b) Exocyclic N6-amino nitrogen

(c) Polyethyleneimine

(d) Polyethylene glycols

This question was posed to me in an interview.

Enquiry is from Future Prospects in division Enzyme Technology Future Prospects of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) Exocyclic N6-amino nitrogen

To explain I would say: Coenzyme derivatization involves the alkylation of the exocyclic N6-amino nitrogen of the adenine moiety present in the coenzymes NAD^+, NADP^+, NADH, NADPH, ATP and coenzyme A. In some applications where membrane reactors it is necessary to retain the coenzyme of sufficient size within the system. Thus, high molecular weight water-soluble derivatives may be used are they cause less diffusional resistance than insoluble coenzyme matrices. In such cases, dextrans, polyethyleneimine and polyethylene glycols are widely used.