Virtuelle (Nano) Welten PDB Molecule of the Month 102: Lactate Dehydrogenase

Fermentation

Some bacteria obtain most of their energy by conversion of glucose into lactose. This process is called fermentation, and you have probably experienced the results of it at the dinner table. Fermenting bacteria are used to convert milk into yogurt and fermented lactic acid is an important part of the sharp flavors of sauerkraut and sourdough bread. The bacterial lactose dehydrogenase shown here is an allosteric enzyme. Binding of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, one of the molecules formed in the early steps of glycolysis, causes the enzyme to change into an active shape. Remarkably, PDB entry 1lth, shown here, contains two separate enzyme molecules, one in the active state (left) and one in the inactive state (right).