Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, speeding up the process without being consumed or altered in the reaction. They are essential for many functions in the body, including digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication. Each enzyme is specific to a particular reaction or type of molecule.

For example:

Digestive enzymes help break down food into smaller molecules for absorption, like amylase (which breaks down starch) and lipase (which breaks down fats).

Metabolic enzymes help regulate energy production and cell functions.

Enzymes are crucial for maintaining life processes in all living organisms.

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Comments (4)

Priya Sarath

Dec 01

1. What are enzymes and how do enzymes work?

2. What factors affect enzymes?

3. What are the three main enzymes and their functions?

4. What is the clinical significance of enzyme?

ridha issak

Dec 02

Replying to

What are enzymes and how do enzymes work? Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy. They work by binding to substrates at the active site, facilitating chemical transformations, and then releasing the products.

What factors affect enzymes? Factors that affect enzyme activity include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, inhibitors, and the presence of cofactors or coenzymes.

What are the three main enzymes and their functions?

Amylase: Breaks down starch into sugars.

Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids.

Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

What is the clinical significance of enzymes? Enzymes are used in diagnostics (e.g., liver enzymes for liver disease, cardiac enzymes for heart attacks) and enzyme replacement therapy (for enzyme deficiencies). Enzyme inhibitors are also used in drug treatments (e.g., ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure).

indu marath

Nov 28

How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?
What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibition of enzymes?
How do enzymes achieve substrate specificity?
What are coenzymes and cofactors, and how do they assist enzymes?
How are enzymes regulated in the body?
What is the role of enzymes in digestion?
How are enzymes used in industrial applications?

ridha issak

Nov 29

Replying to

Temperature and pH affect enzyme activity: Enzyme activity increases with temperature up to an optimal point, beyond which enzymes denature. Enzymes also have an optimal pH, and extreme pH levels can denature them or alter their activity.
Competitive vs. Non-Competitive Inhibition:
Competitive inhibition: An inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site.
Non-competitive inhibition: An inhibitor binds to a different site, changing the enzyme's shape and reducing its activity.
Substrate Specificity: Enzymes have a unique active site that fits only specific substrates, like a "lock and key," ensuring they catalyze particular reactions.
Coenzymes and Cofactors:
Cofactors: Inorganic ions (e.g., metal ions) that assist enzymes.
Coenzymes: Organic molecules (often vitamins) that help enzymes by transferring chemical groups or electrons.
Enzyme Regulation: Enzymes are regulated by allosteric regulation, feedback inhibition, covalent modifications, and gene expression to control metabolic processes
Role in Digestion: Enzymes like amylase, protease, lipase, and nuclease break down carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids into absorbable components.