{ Enzymes We couldn’t live without them!

Flow of energy through life - Life is built on chemical reactions

Nothing works without enzymes! How important are enzymes? All chemical reactions in living organisms require enzymes to work Building molecules: Synthesis Enzymes Breaking down molecules: Digestive Enzymes ++ enzyme s4

What is an Enzyme? Function: Enzymes…. Are Biological Catalysts – Speed up rxns in cells Lower the Activation Energy (Energy required for a rxn to begin)

What is an Enzyme? Structure: Enzymes…. Are made of Proteins Aren’t changed by the rxns Are “specific” – only one enzyme will work with one substrate (lock and key)

How do I identify and Enzyme? Always ends in “~ASE” Examples: Polymerase, Helicase, Salivary Amylase

Enzyme/Substrate Complex “Lock and Key” Substrate – the substance (reactant) that the enzyme works on Product – the substance that is produced by the reaction Active Site – The area of the enzyme the substrate fits into Enzyme Substrate Products Enzyme (unchanged) Active Site

What affects how well an Enzymes work? pH: Perform best at a pH of 6-8 – depends where in body Temperature: Enzymes perform best at 98.6 degrees Shape: This is the most important factor!

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