What is "isomerase"

n. Any enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of one isomeric form of a chemical compound to another.

n. an enzyme that catalyzes its substrate to an isomeric form

Isomerases are a general class of enzymes which convert a molecule from one isomer to another. Isomerases can either facilitate intramolecular rearrangements in which bonds are broken and formed or they can catalyze conformational changes. The general form of such a reaction is as follows:

A–B → B–A

There is only one substrate yielding one product. This product has the same molecular formula as the substrate but differs in bond connectivity or spatial arrangements. Isomerases catalyze reactions across many biological processes, such as in glycolysis and carbohydrate metabolism.