Question

Given that polyurethane is a huge polymer >100,000 Daltons), why is it important that the polyurethanase is a secreted enzyme? IF we assume that the polyurethane is the source of energy for the organism how can material (carbon atoms) from it find its way into the central metabolic pathways of this microbe? What is the entry point? What happens after its entry into the metabolic pathway?

Answer 1

It is important that polyurethanase is a secreted enzyme because the large size of the polyurethane polymer makes it difficult for microbes to transport it across their cell membranes and into their cells.