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).