Enzymes are the Biological Catalyst that speed up the reaction and reduces the “Activation Energy”. We have many types of enzymes in our body. Some are working with Starch and some with Proteins. Enzymes ensure that the rates of Metabolic Reactions are great enough to sustain life. Enzymes are very helpful in making the work easier and doing the work in less time with less efforts.
Activation Energy: It is the energy that a reactant requires to start a reaction.
Properties of Enzymes:
- Lower Down the Activation Energy.
- Enzymes are made up of Protein.
- Enzymes control the reaction.
- Enzymes are required in small quantity and can be used again and again.
- Enzymes are highly specific.
- Enzymes have its own optimum temperature and pH.
Factors of Enzymes:
- Temperature
- pH
Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a reaction.
Difference between Catalyst and Enzyme:
Active Site: This is the place in Enzyme where the substrate binds with the enzyme. Each enzyme has its own Substrate. Substance which is present at the begining of the reaction is called Substrate. The substance which is made by the reaction is called The Product. This Active Site can further be identified By a Theory called “Lock and Key Machanism”.
Lock and Key Machanism: It tells us about the enzymes active site. This theory states that As every lock has its own Key so every Enzyme has its own substrate. For Instance, The enzyme working with protein is called Protease. Protease Enzyme is a lock and its substrate which it works with is Protien.
Same is for other Enzymes, Amylase works with starch, Carbohydrase works with Carbohydrates etc…
Naming Enzymes: There was a big clash between scientists at the time of Discovery of Enzymes. A group of scientists had a opinion to name the Enzyme same as the Name of Scientists. After the discoveries of many Enzymes Scientist thought to change their name with the name of the Substrate and add “ASE” at the last as each scientist discoverd a lot of enzymes.
Examples of Naming Enzymes:
- Protease working on Protein.
- Amylase working on Starch.
- Carbohydrase working on Carbohydrates.
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