Hexokinases

Enzymes, EC 2.7.1.1, that move a phosphate group from ATP onto D-hexoses, yielding D-hexose 6-phosphates. Acceptors include glucose, mannose, fructose, sorbitol, and glucosamine. Analysts employ them across many assays — for glucose, fructose, mannose, and ATP, as well as creatine kinase activity. Since glucose can be quantified even alongside fructose, these enzymes see broad use in exposing adulteration of wines and fruit juices, where added sugars betray themselves against the natural sugar pattern. Their specificity and reliability have made enzymatic sugar analysis a standard tool in food authenticity testing.