Vitamins are the organic compounds required in the diet in small amounts to perform specific biological functions for normal maintenance of optimum growth and health of the organism. Vitamins are classified into two groups depending on their solubility in water or fat. Vitamins which are soluble in fat and oils but insoluble in water are fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and adipose tissues. Vitamins of B group and vitamin C are soluble in water and are known as water-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins must be supplied regularly in the diet because they are readily excreted in urine and cannot be stored (except vitamin B₁₂) in our body. Plants can synthesize all vitamins whereas only a few vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin A from carotene, and some members of the vitamin B complex are synthesized in the human body. Vitamins catalyze biological reactions in very low concentrations. Multiple deficiencies caused by a lack of more than one vitamin are called avitaminosis.

Which of the following enzyme causes hydrolysis of cellulose?

Emulsin

The correct answer is option 4. Emulsin.

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate or polysaccharide consisting of glucose units linked by \(\beta \)-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It is a major structural component of plant cell walls and is difficult to digest due to its fibrous and crystalline structure.

Emulsin is a term that refers to a mixture of enzymes found in certain plants, particularly in almonds. This mixture contains several glycosidases, including cellulase. Cellulase is the specific enzyme within emulsin responsible for the hydrolysis of cellulose. It breaks down the \(\beta \)-1,4-glycosidic bonds in cellulose, ultimately converting it into simpler sugars such as glucose.

To further clarify the other enzymes listed:

Tyrosinase: This enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color in animals. It catalyzes the oxidation of tyrosine to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and subsequently to DOPAquinone, leading to melanin production.

Invertase: Also known as sucrase, this enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose. It is commonly found in yeast and plants and is important in carbohydrate digestion.

Zymase: This is not a single enzyme but a complex of enzymes found in yeast cells that catalyze the fermentation of sugars to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. It plays a crucial role in alcoholic fermentation.

Given the options, emulsin is the correct answer as it contains cellulase, the enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing cellulose.