Xylulokinase


In enzymology, a xylulokinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction
Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are ATP and D-xylulose, whereas its two products are ADP and D-xylulose 5-phosphate.
This enzyme belongs to the family of transferases, specifically those transferring phosphorus-containing groups with an alcohol group as acceptor. The systematic name of this enzyme class is ATP:D-xylulose 5-phosphotransferase. Other names in common use include xylulokinase , and D-xylulokinase. This enzyme participates in pentose and [glucuronate interconversions].

Structural studies

As of late 2007, two structures have been solved for this class of enzymes, with Protein [Data Bank|PDB] accession codes and.

Applications

Hydrogen production

In 2014 a low-temperature, atmospheric-pressure enzyme-driven process to convert xylose into hydrogen with nearly 100% of the theoretical yield was announced. The process employs 13 enzymes, including xylulokinase.