AP Biology Note
Sourav Pan
Episodes
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what is enzyme?
Enzymes are biological catalysts, predominantly proteins, that accelerate chemical reactions within living organisms. They are essential for various physiological processes, including digestion, metabolism, and cellular repair. By lowering the activation energy required for reactions, enzymes increase the rate at which these reactions occur, thereby facilitating the complex biochemical pathways necessary for life. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate and reaction, a specificity determined by its unique three-dimensional structure. This structural specificity ensures that enzymes catalyze only their designated reactions, maintaining the orderly progression of metabolic processes. Enzymes are not consumed in the reactions they catalyze; they remain unchanged and can be reused multiple times. However, their activity can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of inhibitors or activators. For instance, many enzymes have an optimal pH and temperature range within which they function most efficiently.
Enzymes – Structure, Types, Mode of Action, Functions, Applications, Examples