Which enzyme participates in the uric acid reaction used for quantification in the ultraviolet method?

Which enzyme participates in the uric acid reaction used for quantification in the ultraviolet method?

• A. Uricase
• B. Urease
• C. Catalase
• D. Amylase

Answer: (A)

In this UV quantification approach, a specific enzyme is used to target uric acid directly, so the measurement reflects how much uric acid is present. Uricase uniquely oxidizes uric acid to allantoin, generating hydrogen peroxide in the process. As the enzyme converts uric acid, the sample’s UV absorbance at the uric acid–specific wavelength decreases, and this change is proportional to the uric acid concentration. The other enzymes listed don’t act on uric acid—urease targets urea, catalase acts on hydrogen peroxide, and amylase breaks down starch—so they wouldn’t drive the uric acid–specific UV reaction.

In this UV quantification approach, a specific enzyme is used to target uric acid directly, so the measurement reflects how much uric acid is present. Uricase uniquely oxidizes uric acid to allantoin, generating hydrogen peroxide in the process. As the enzyme converts uric acid, the sample’s UV absorbance at the uric acid–specific wavelength decreases, and this change is proportional to the uric acid concentration. The other enzymes listed don’t act on uric acid—urease targets urea, catalase acts on hydrogen peroxide, and amylase breaks down starch—so they wouldn’t drive the uric acid–specific UV reaction.