Nucleotide Metabolism | Mechanism of OMP (Orotidylate) Decarboxylase

The video tutorial explains the mechanism of OMP decarboxylase, an enzyme that significantly enhances reaction rates by converting rhodolite into uridylate. The enzyme achieves this through a simple yet fascinating mechanism involving charge repulsion and proton transfer. The uncatalyzed reaction would take millions of years, but the enzyme completes it in milliseconds, demonstrating a remarkable rate enhancement.

What is the primary function of rhodolite decarboxylase in biochemical reactions?

Describe the significance of the rate enhancement provided by rhodolite decarboxylase.

Explain the role of aspartate and lysine residues in the mechanism of OMP decarboxylase.

What happens to the carboxyl group of rhodolite during the decarboxylation process?

How does the proximity of the aspartate R group affect the decarboxylation of rhodolite?