In the first step of the Leloir pathway, an enzyme affects this process on beta-D-galactose so that it can be phosphorylated by galactokinase. For 10 points each:
[10m] Name this type of epimerization, the conversion between two diastereomers of a cyclic sugar that differ only in their configuration about the hemiacetal carbon.
ANSWER: mutarotation [or anomerization; accept word forms; accept galactose mutarotase]
[10e] In a later step of the Leloir pathway, another epimerase acts on galactose bound to this nucleosid’s diphosphate. This nucleoside, whose diphosphate is bound to glucose in glycogenesis, is formed by deaminating cytidine.
ANSWER: uridine [accept uracil]
[10h] A third class of epimerase is exemplified by RmlC, which is involved in the biosynthesis of this sugar. The Rhl system in P. aeruginosa produces glycolipids containing this sugar, used as green biosurfactants in industry.
ANSWER: rhamnose [accept rhamnolipids]
<Arya Karthik, Biology>