An enzyme is a protein that acts as a biological catalyst, meaning it speeds up chemical reactions within cells. Enzymes are crucial for many biological processes, such as digestion, metabolism, DNA replication, and cell signaling. They work by lowering the activation energy needed for a reaction to occur, allowing the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently.
Each enzyme has a unique structure that includes an active site, where specific molecules, known as substrates, bind. The enzyme then catalyzes the reaction involving these substrates, transforming them into new products. After the reaction, the enzyme remains unchanged and can continue to catalyze additional reactions.
Key features of enzymes include:
Enzymes play a fundamental role in almost every cellular process, making them essential for sustaining life.
What is Enzyme? Factors That Affects Enzyme Activity Enzyme activity, a crucial aspect of biological processes, is influenced by several key factors that dictate the rate and efficiency of enzymatic reactions. Understanding these factors is vital for comprehending the intricacies of enzyme functioning. Let us delve into the six main factors that affect enzyme activity: … Read more
What is Lineweaver–Burk plot? The Lineweaver–Burk plot, commonly referred to as the double reciprocal plot, stands as a foundational concept within the domain of biochemistry. Stemming from the renowned Michaelis–Menten equation, which pertains to enzyme kinetics, this plot was innovatively introduced by Hans Lineweaver and Dean Burk in the year 1934. Delving into its essence, … Read more
What is Induced Fit Model? Evidences Supporting Induced Fit Model The Induced Fit Model has garnered significant attention in the realm of biochemistry, and various pieces of evidence support its validity. This model posits that proteins, including enzymes, are not static or rigid structures. Instead, they exhibit dynamic properties, allowing them to adapt and change … Read more
What is Lock and Key Model? The Lock and Key Model Concept The “Lock and Key Model” is a fundamental concept in enzymology, introduced by Emil Fischer in 1899. This model provides an analogy to explain the specificity exhibited by enzymes during their interactions with substrates. In this analogy, the enzyme is likened to a … Read more
What are Enzymes? Definition of Enzymes Enzymes are protein molecules that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions within living organisms without being consumed in the process. Characteristics Features of Enzymes Enzymes are biological molecules with distinct characteristics and features that enable them to play crucial roles in various biochemical processes. Here are the key … Read more
What is Enzyme Inhibition? Types of Enzyme Inhibition There are present three types of Enzyme Inhibition such as; 1. Reversible Inhibition Reversible inhibition refers to the temporary cessation of enzyme activity due to the binding of a reversible inhibitor. This binding is not permanent, and the enzyme can regain its activity once the inhibitor is … Read more
What is Michaelis–Menten model? The Michaelis–Menten model is a fundamental concept in biochemistry, specifically in the realm of enzyme kinetics. Enzymes, which are proteins, play a pivotal role as catalysts in biochemical reactions. Their primary function is to reduce the Gibbs free energy of activation, ΔG, thereby facilitating the reaction to reach its transition state … Read more
What is Active Site of an Enzyme? Definition of Enzyme’s Active Site The active site of an enzyme is a small region within the enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction, leading to the formation of products. What is Binding site? Features that Determine Active Site Specificity The specificity of the active … Read more
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