Synthase facts for kids

A synthase is a special kind of protein called an enzyme. Enzymes are like tiny helpers inside living things. A synthase helps to make new, complex things from simpler parts. This process is called biosynthesis. Think of it like building a LEGO castle from many small LEGO bricks. The synthase helps put the bricks together.

For a long time, scientists used two different names: "synthase" and "synthetase." Originally, a synthase was an enzyme that made new molecules without needing extra energy from special power molecules like ATP. But a synthetase was an enzyme that did need these power molecules.

However, a group called the Joint Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature (JCBN) made things simpler. Now, the word 'synthase' can be used for any enzyme that helps make something new, whether it uses power molecules or not. The word 'synthetase' is now mostly used to mean the same thing as a 'ligase', which is another type of enzyme that joins two molecules together, usually needing energy.

Examples of Synthases

Here are some examples of important synthases:

• ATP synthase: This enzyme is super important! It helps make ATP, which is like the energy currency for almost all living cells.
• Citrate synthase: This enzyme is part of a big cycle in your body that helps turn food into energy.
• Tryptophan synthase: This enzyme helps make tryptophan, which is an important building block for proteins.
• Pseudouridine synthase: This enzyme helps make a special part of RNA, which is like a messenger molecule in your cells.
• Fatty acid synthase: This enzyme helps your body build fatty acids, which are important for storing energy and building cell parts.
• Cellulose synthase (UDP-forming) and Cellulose synthase (GDP-forming): These enzymes help plants make cellulose, which is what makes plant cell walls strong.