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    Enzymes - Catalysts of Life (Reading Material)

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    Jiex Cabaluna

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    Enzymes - Catalysts of Life (Reading Material)

    Uploaded by

    Jiex Cabaluna
    5 views1 page

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    Enzymes_ Catalysts of Life (Reading Material)

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    5 views1 page

    Enzymes - Catalysts of Life (Reading Material)

    Uploaded by

    Jiex Cabaluna

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    Enzymes: Catalysts of Life

    Enzymes are proteins that play a crucial role in speeding up biochemical reactions in the body. Without enzymes, many
    reactions that are necessary for life would occur too slowly to sustain life.

    What Are Enzymes?

    Enzymes are biological catalysts, meaning they increase the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the
    process. Each enzyme is specific to a particular reaction or type of reaction. Enzymes lower the activation energy required
    for a reaction to occur, allowing biological processes to happen more quickly and efficiently.

    For example, enzymes in the stomach, such as pepsin, help break down proteins into smaller peptides, which the body can
    absorb. Without enzymes, digesting food would be a much slower and less efficient process.

    How Enzymes Work: The "Lock and Key" and "Induced Fit" Models

    Enzymes work by binding to their specific substrate—the substance that the enzyme acts upon. This process happens at
    the enzyme's active site, a specially shaped region that fits the substrate.

    There are two models to explain enzyme action:

    1. Lock and Key Model: In this model, the enzyme's active site is perfectly shaped for the substrate, much like a
    key fits into a lock. This model suggests that enzymes are very specific and only work with substrates that fit their
    active site exactly.
    2. Induced Fit Model: This model suggests that while the active site of the enzyme may not initially be a perfect fit
    for the substrate, it can change shape slightly to accommodate the substrate. Once the substrate binds, the enzyme
    molds itself around the substrate, enabling the reaction to proceed.

    Factors That Affect Enzyme Activity

    Several factors can influence how well enzymes work. These include:

    ● Temperature: Enzymes work best at a specific temperature range. In humans, enzymes typically function best at
    body temperature (around 37°C). Too high or too low temperatures can reduce enzyme activity. High
    temperatures can even denature (destroy) enzymes, rendering them ineffective.
    ● pH Levels: Every enzyme has an optimal pH level. For instance, stomach enzymes like pepsin work best in acidic
    conditions, while enzymes in the small intestine prefer a more alkaline environment.
    ● Substrate Concentration: As substrate concentration increases, enzyme activity also increases—up to a point.
    Once all the enzyme molecules are bound to substrates, the reaction rate levels off, because the enzyme is
    saturated.

    Enzyme Inhibitors

    Enzyme inhibitors are substances that can slow down or stop enzyme activity. There are two main types of inhibitors:

    1. Competitive Inhibitors: These molecules resemble the enzyme's substrate and compete for the active site. If the
    inhibitor binds to the active site, the substrate cannot, and the reaction is slowed down or blocked.
    2. Non-competitive Inhibitors: These inhibitors bind to a different part of the enzyme, changing the shape of the
    active site so the substrate can no longer fit. This type of inhibition is harder to overcome, as it doesn’t depend on
    the concentration of the substrate.

    Why Enzymes Are Important

    Enzymes are essential for life because they allow cells to carry out complex chemical reactions quickly and efficiently.
    They are involved in processes such as digestion, respiration, DNA replication, and metabolism. Without enzymes, life
    processes would slow down or stop altogether

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