Uroporphyrinogen Decarboxylase

The video explores the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, crucial in porphyrin synthesis for heme production. It details the enzyme's mechanism, highlighting its unique ability to decarboxylate without coenzymes, achieving the highest known rate enhancement. The enzyme converts uroporphyrinogen 3 to coproprophyrinogen 3, replacing acetyl groups with methyl groups. The video also covers the organic mechanism, emphasizing the role of arginine and hydronium in the active site, and the regeneration of aromaticity in the pyrrole ring.

What is the function of the arginine residue in the active site of the enzyme?

Discuss the importance of the aromaticity of the pyrrole ring in the mechanism of the enzyme.

How many times does the enzyme decarboxylate the acetyl groups during the reaction?

What is the final product of the reaction catalyzed by uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase?