320 
Studies on Enzyme Action. 
five times as active towards the latter. This is most clearly exemplified in 
the following diagram. 
O 
; 
mat 
Be 
se 
WHE 
10 ee 
a 
eee 
O IZ0 20 240 
4,0 8 160 oO 
Two explanations of the difference seem possible: either that the weighting 
has had the effect of twisting the oxygen centre or centres from which the 
hydrolytic attack proceeds somewhat further away from the junction at which 
the breakdown takes place on hydrolysis; or that the galactose interposes 
what is commonly known as steric hindrance, more or less blocking the way, 
as it were, to the hydrolytic agent. Unfortunately, we have no certain 
knowledge at present of the structure even of the biose cane-sugar, and that 
of derivatives such as raffinose is altogether problematic. 
Cane-sugar is so different from other bioses with which it is isomeric that 
its constitution must be peculiar. The most probable structural and functional 
formula which can be devised at present is that proposed by Emil Fischer, 
when written in the folowing manner :— 
(HO)HC—-CH(OH) (HO)HC-———CH(OH) 
(HO)H,C—HC 
a 
a0) -_CH CH—CH(OH)—CH,(OH) 
= << No 
CH.(OH) 
C 
