CIVIL ENGINEERING Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Plane Curve, Synthetic Division, Quadratic Equation

In this assignment, you will review how enzymes work and research some common enzymes and their functions. You will then answer discussion questions about the enzymes you researched.

Enzymes are a type of protein found in all our cells that act as biological catalysts. A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction by lowering its necessary activation energy. They do this by binding to the substrate or reactants of a chemical reaction. The substrate binds to what is called the active site on the enzyme. The active site of an enzyme is very specific and only works for a specific substrate. This is known as a lock and key, because only a certain substrate works with each enzyme.

 

Once the substrate attaches to the active site, the enzyme activates and catalyzes the chemical reaction. The energy still needed to perform the reaction comes from the foods we eat. After the reaction occurs, the products are released. The enzyme now has an open active site for other reactants to bind to.

 

Enzymes are affected by things like temperature and $\mathrm{pH}$ that can change their shape and ability to function. This is why our bodies need to stay at a certain temperature, and our stomach and blood must stay within a specific pH range. This allows enzymes in our body to work in their optimum conditions.