An enzyme called glucocerebrosidase breaks down a glycolipid in the body known as glucocerebroside. However, in a genetic disease known as Gaucher’s disease, the body does not produce enough glucocerebrosidase. Therefore glucocerebroside can build up in the body and this can cause serious side effects such as anemia and swelling of the liver and spleen. Identify the substrate.
The substrate is the substance being acted upon by the enzyme. The enzyme glucocerebrosidase breaks down glucocerebroside. Therefore, glucocerebroside is the substrate in this example.