ENZYMES SBI 3C1

What are Enzymes? Enzymes are specialized protein molecules that speed up (catalyze) the chemical reactions of organisms Without enzymes, most of the reactions in a cell would proceed too slowly All chemical reactions require energy to get started. This start-up energy is called ACTIVATION ENERGY (Ea)

H2O2 H2O + O2 Chemical Reaction: Catalase Hydrogen Peroxide Water Oxygen Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of Hydrogen Peroxide into Water and Oxygen gas

How enzymes work?..... Enzymes speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy needed. This makes it easier for the reaction to proceed/start.

ENZYME ACTIVITY The names of enzymes usually end in “-ase” In order to start a reaction an enzyme must attach to one specific reactant (“starting molecule”) Reactants are called Substrates.....thus, enzymes act on a specific substrate. Substrates bind to enzymes at their Active Site.

Re-cap………. http://www.ryancshaw.com/Files/micro/Animations/Enzyme-Substrate/micro_enzyme-substrate.swf

ENZYME ACTIVITY & THE ENVIRONMENT Enzymes are proteins, like proteins it can lose its function (denature) when exposed to the following: Acidic/Basic environments – pH level (at both extremes) Extremely High Temperature TEMPERATURE: Enzyme catalyzed reactions increase speed with a slight increase in temperature If the temperature is reduced, the motion of the enzyme and substrate are reduced

Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity

Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity

INDUSTRIAL USES OF ENZYMES: Brewing, baking, winemaking: glucose to alcohol and carbon dioxide Candy, jams, jellies, fruit juices: Enzymes are used to produce sugar from starch Cleaning Products: Detergents contain enzymes that break down stains)