Sucrose can enter glycolysis by either of two routes: Sucrose phosphorylase: Sucrose \(+\mathrm{P}_{\mathrm{i}} \rightleftharpoons\) fructose \(+\) glucose- 1 -phosphate Invertase: \\[ \text { Sucrose }+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \text { fructose }+\text { glucose } \\]

Short Answer

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The breakdown of sucrose can follow two different routes: through sucrose phosphorylase or invertase. Sucrose phosphorylase combines sucrose with an inorganic Phosphate (Pi) molecule to produce fructose and glucose-1-phosphate. Invertase combines sucrose with water to yield fructose and glucose, which then undergo further biological processes, like glycolysis.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Enzyme Involvement

First, it is necessary to understand that 'sucrose phosphorylase' and 'invertase' are enzymes that facilitate different chemical reactions to break down sucrose into its constituent elements. Metabolism in living organisms involves a variety of chemical reactions, and these are often facilitated by specific enzymes.
02

Sucrose Phosphorylase Reaction

In the Sucrose Phosphorylase Reaction, every molecule of sucrose and inorganic Phosphate (Pi) breaks down to produce one molecule each of fructose and glucose-1-phosphate. As the process involves the addition of a phosphate group, it's a type of phosphorylation reaction.
03

Invertase Reaction

In the Invertase Reaction, every molecule of sucrose and water (H2O) breaks down into a molecule of fructose and glucose. Here, the enzyme invertase facilitates the hydrolysis of sucrose, utilizing the polar molecule water in the chemical reaction.
04

Relationship between the Two Reactions

While these reactions are distinct, both lead to the breakdown of sucrose into fructose and glucose or glucose-1-phosphate. These products can then be used in follow-on biological processes, such as glycolysis.

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