Inenzymology, achitin synthase (EC2.4.1.16) is anenzyme thatcatalyzes thechemical reaction
Thus, the twosubstrates of this enzyme areUDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and [[[1,4-(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl)]n]], whereas its twoproducts areUDP and [[[1,4-(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl)]n+1]].
This enzyme belongs to the family ofglycosyltransferases, specifically the hexosyltransferases. Thesystematic name of this enzyme class isUDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine:chitin 4-beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase. Other names in common use includechitin-UDP N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase,chitin-uridine diphosphate acetylglucosaminyltransferase,chitin synthetase, andtrans-N-acetylglucosaminosylase. This enzyme participates inaminosugars metabolism.
Chitin Synthase is manufactured in therough endoplasmic reticulum of fungi as the inactive form,zymogen. The zymogen is then packaged into chitosomes in thegolgi apparatus. Chitosomes bring the zymogen to thehyphal tip of a mold or yeast cell membrane. Chitin synthase is placed into the interior side of the cell membrane and then activated.[citation needed]
Benzoylurea as well asother insecticides act asinsect growth regulators by inhibiting this enzyme and thus preventing the formation ofchitin.[1] They are inIRACmode of action groups 10, 15 and 16.[2]
