EnzymesCHAPTER 6 PART 3

What are enzymes?Enzymes are biological catalysts.A catalyst is something that speeds up a

reaction without affecting the results of the reaction.

It does this by lowering activation energy.

Activation energy is the energy needed to start a reaction.

Versus

Enzymes do not require energy and can be reused.

Think of it like a fork for eating…it doesn’t affect how much food you can eat or what nutrients you get from it. It just affects the speed at which you can eat.

Enzymes do their work by forming an enzyme-substrate complex.

A substrate is the initial substance that will be changed into a product. It can be two or more pieces that are put together or one piece that is cut up.

Enzymes and substrates fit like a key in a lock. The appropriate enzyme must be used and will fit perfectly.

If an enzyme becomes denatured it means that it becomes unfolded. Since it is a protein, it must be folded very precisely.

Enzymes work best:At an optimal temperature.At an optimal pH

Pepsin is a stomach enzymeTrypsin is an intestine enzyme