Lactate Dehydrogenase A (LDHA) exhibits varying molecular weights depending on its structural form. The enzyme can exist as a monomer, a dimer, or a tetramer, each with a distinct size.
Understanding LDHA's Molecular Forms
LDHA is a versatile enzyme that can associate into different multimeric structures. These structural variations are important as they often relate to the enzyme's function and localization within cells. The size, expressed in kilodaltons (kDa), changes significantly from its most basic unit to its more complex assembled forms.
Molecular Weights of LDHA Forms
The molecular weights for the different forms of LDHA are as follows:
| Form | Molecular Weight (kDa) |
|---|---|
| Monomer | 35 |
| Dimer | 70 |
| Tetramer | 140 |
As a monomer, a single protein unit of LDHA has a molecular weight of 35 kDa. When two of these monomer units combine, they form a dimer, which has a molecular weight of 70 kDa. The largest commonly recognized functional form is the tetramer, composed of four monomer units, resulting in a molecular weight of 140 kDa. These different sizes reflect the assembly state of the protein, from individual polypeptide chains to larger, functional complexes.
