Enzymes in Plasma and Cells

Enzyme Concentration in Cells and Plasma

• Enzymes are present in cells at higher concentrations than in plasma.
• 'Normal' plasma enzyme concentrations reflect the balance between the rate of synthesis and release into plasma during cell turnover, and the rate of clearance from the circulation.

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity in Plasma

• Enzyme activity in plasma may be higher than normal due to: • Proliferation of cells • Increased rate of cell turnover or damage • Increased enzyme synthesis (induction) • Reduced clearance from plasma
• Enzyme activity in plasma may be lower than normal due to: • Reduced synthesis • Congenital deficiency • Presence of inherited variants of relatively low biological activity

Enzyme Production and Enzymology

• Enzymes are produced in the body by certain organs like: • Salivary glands • Stomach • Pancreas • Small intestine
• Enzymes can also be obtained from the food we eat.
• Enzymology is defined as the assay of an enzyme(s) in body fluids, usually blood, that can be used diagnostically or to monitor a clinical condition.

Structure of Enzymes

• Enzymes are proteins, composed of chains of amino acids linked together.
• The characteristic of an enzyme is determined by the sequence of amino acid arrangement.
• Weak bonds between amino acids can be broken by: • High temperatures • High levels of acids
• Broken bonds can cause enzymes to become nonfunctional and lose activity.

This quiz covers the concentration of enzymes in cells and plasma, and the factors that affect enzyme activity in plasma. Understand the balance between enzyme synthesis and clearance, and how it relates to cell turnover and damage.