Enzymatic Wonders: How Proteins Drive Life's Processes
Written By: Hayagreev Kommu
Speed. That’s what enzymes do. You may have heard about enzymes from your biology teacher droning on about them, but what does speed have to do with them?
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are biological molecules made of amino acids (the same molecules which make proteins) which act as catalysts – they just slow down or speed up reactions which happen in the body to rates which allow us to live. If metabolic reactions were too slow or fast, one would almost die at once. So, how do enzymes do this?
How do they work?
Enzymes work by lowering the activation energy of a reaction. Activation energy is the amount of energy that must be added to a molecule for it to react. Enzymes do this by binding to the reactants and holding them in a position that makes it easier for them to react.
The chemistry behind enzymes is complex, but it can be summarized in a few key steps:
1. The enzyme binds to the reactants.
2. The enzyme changes the shape of the reactants, bringing them closer together and making it easier for them to react.
3. The reaction occurs, forming the products.
4. The enzyme releases the products.
Enzymes are extremely specific. Each enzyme only catalyzes one type of reaction. This specificity is due to the unique shape of the enzyme's active site. The active site is the part of the enzyme that binds to the reactants (also called substrates) and catalyzes the reaction.
What affects enzymes?
Enzyme activity can be affected by a few factors, including:
Temperature: Enzymes work best at a certain temperature range. If the temperature is too high or too low, the enzyme will not work as well as they get denatured (like proteins) when exposed to hot temperatures or do not have enough energy to start the reactions in cool temperatures.
pH: Enzymes also work best at a certain pH. If the pH is too acidic or too basic, the enzyme will not work as well.
Inhibitors: Inhibitors are molecules that bind to enzymes and slow down or stop their activity. Some inhibitors are natural and occur in the body, while others are synthetic and are used in medicines.
Inside the body
Enzymes are involved in all aspects of metabolism, from digesting food to producing energy. Here are just a few examples of enzymes in the body:
1. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into starch.
2. Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids.
3. Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids.
4. ATP synthase produces ATP, the body's energy currency.
5. DNA polymerase replicates DNA.
6. RNA polymerase transcribes DNA into RNA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, enzymes are essential for life. They play a vital role in all aspects of metabolism. Enzymes are very specific and efficient, and they can be affected by several factors, including temperature, pH, and inhibitors. So, next time your biology teacher asks you a question while you were completely zoned out in the lecture, you already know all about them.
Works Cited
ZHTutorials. (2021, May 15). Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity. zhtutorials.com. https://zhtutorials.com/2021/05/15/factors-affecting-enzyme-activity/
Creative Enzymes. (n.d.). Effect of pH on Enzymatic Reaction. Creative Enzymes. https://www.creative-enzymes.com/resource/effect-of-ph-on-enzymatic-reaction_51.html
Scientific American. (n.d.). Exploring Enzymes. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/exploring-enzymes/
Khan Academy. (n.d.). Environmental Impacts on Enzyme Function. Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/cellular-energetics/environmental-impacts-on-enzyme-function/a/hs-enzymes-review#:~:text=Temperature%3A%20Raising%20temperature%20generally%20speeds,range%20will%20slow%20enzyme%20activity.
Medical News Today. (Year, Month Day Published). Enzymes: How they work. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319704#how-they-work
