Enzymes work on the mechanism of minimizing the activation energy of the reaction. There must be sufficient activation energy for the reaction to move forward. Lowering the Activation Energy of a ReactionĪll chemical reactions are connected with energy changes. Protein synthesis and photosynthesis are examples of anabolic reactions. In anabolic reactions, two or more complex molecules are built from simpler ones when two or more substrates are drawn into the active site, to create bonds between them and release one product.Cellular respiration and hydrolysis reactions are examples of catabolic reactions This occurs when a substrate is drawn into the active site and then it is divided into two or more distinct molecules. In catabolic reactions, the complex molecules are broken down into simpler products.The reactions of enzymes can be either catabolic or anabolic.The formation of the enzyme-substrate complex is temporary, before the catalyzation of reaction by enzymes and release of products.When an enzyme and its substrate join with each other, an enzyme-substrate complex is created.If the order is changed, the resulting three-dimensional shape alters. The shape of an enzyme is determined by the order of amino acids.Peptide bonds hold together these chains of amino acids. Chains of amino acids create the proteins.The complex tertiary structure of the protein that makes up an enzyme determines the shape of the active site as well as the specificity of the enzyme.The complementary nature between the shape of the active site on the enzyme and its substrates results in the specificity of an enzyme.The collision of substrates with the active site of enzymes should occur at the right orientation and speed for the reaction to take place.Extreme heat and pH can alter the shape of an active site and thus prevent the binding of substrate.The specific shape of an active site of an enzyme allows it to fit a specific substrate.Enzymes contain an active site where certain substrates bind creating an enzyme-substrate complex.In the next section of the article, we will discuss the mode of action of the enzyme. Hence, enzymes are critical for the existence of life. Enzymes catalyze every metabolic reaction within living organisms. Other enzymes may contain regulatory regions where an inhibitor can bind which is known as the allosteric site.Įnzymes control metabolic pathways in a biochemical cascade of reactions. The active site of an enzyme has a certain shape and enables the substrate to bind. Salivary glands and pancreas secrete this enzyme to digest the starch in the mouth and small intestine.Īll enzymes are globular proteins and contain regions known as active sites.Amylase enzyme takes part in the digestion of carbohydrates as it hydrolyses the starch into simple sugar.This is because the digested macromolecules are extremely large to enter the cell.Extracellular enzymes usually carry out the process of digestion.Examples of these enzymes include amylase. Extracellular enzymes: These enzymes speed up the reactions that occur outside the cells.The catalase enzyme transforms hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thus preventing potential damage to the cells and tissues.Since it is harmful to the cells, hence the body must convert it into useful elements.The byproduct of several metabolic reactions is hydrogen peroxide.The example of these enzymes include catalase Intracellular enzymes: These enzymes speed up the reactions that occur inside the cells.Classification of EnzymesĮnzymes can be either intracellular or extracellular. It means that they do not get used up by the reaction which means that they can be reused. It should be kept in mind that the enzymes remain unchanged at the end of the reaction. They are considered catalysts because they speed up chemical reactions. Enzymes are considered biological because they function inside the living systems. Enzymes refer to the biological catalysts that speed up (catalyze) the rate of chemical reactions that occur inside our bodies.
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