Enzymes: Controlling Reactions in Cells

Study Notes

Enzymes and Their Functions

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions without being consumed.
Hundreds of different enzymes exist within a cell, each responsible for catalyzing unique reactions, reflecting cellular control.
The sequence for enzyme action originates from genes:
- Genes → Proteins (enzymes) → Catalyze reactions in the cytoplasm.

Importance of Enzymes

Enzymes are essential for cellular reactions due to the low temperatures within organisms (e.g., human body temperature is approximately 37°C).
Without enzymes, most cellular reactions would occur too slowly to sustain life.

Enzyme Structure and Function

Enzymes possess a specific area called the active site where substrates bind.
The specific molecule an enzyme acts upon is termed the substrate.
The attachment of the substrate to the active site reduces the energy needed for the reaction to initiate, thus facilitating product formation.

Enzyme Specificity

Enzymes exhibit specificity; each enzyme catalyzes only one particular reaction based on the shape of the active site.
This specificity is illustrated by the lock and key model, where the substrate (key) precisely fits into the enzyme's active site (lock).

Reaction Process

Enzymes can catalyze both breakdown and synthesis reactions.
In synthesis reactions, multiple substrate molecules can bind to the active site, leading to the formation of larger product molecules.

Product Release

Once the reaction is completed and products are formed, they detach from the active site.
The enzyme is then free to catalyze additional reactions, emphasizing its role in ongoing cellular processes.

Description

This quiz explores the role of enzymes as biological catalysts in cellular reactions. Understand how these proteins facilitate and regulate various chemical processes within the cell. Test your knowledge on enzyme functions and their significance in cell activity.