What is the enzyme function? How does it work? Enzyme and substrate interaction? Why do enzymes work in a specific way?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. Their primary function is to lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, making processes like digestion, energy production, and cell metabolism more efficient.
Enzymes work by interacting with specific molecules called substrates. The substrate is the reactant that the enzyme acts upon. The enzyme has an active site, which is a region that is specifically shaped to bind with its corresponding substrate, like a key fitting into a lock. This model of enzyme-substrate interaction is known as the “lock and key” model. There is also a more flexible “induced fit” model, where the enzyme slightly changes its shape to better fit the substrate when it binds. This binding forms an enzyme-substrate complex, which lowers the activation energy, enabling the reaction to proceed more quickly.
Enzymes work in a specific way because their structure is highly specific to their function. The sequence of amino acids that make up the enzyme determines its three-dimensional shape, which in turn defines the shape of the active site. Only substrates with complementary shapes and chemical properties can bind to the active site and undergo the reaction. If the substrate doesn’t fit the active site, the enzyme won’t catalyze the reaction.
Enzyme activity can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the concentration of the enzyme or substrate. Extreme conditions can cause enzymes to denature, or lose their specific shape, thereby inhibiting their function. Additionally, some enzymes require cofactors or coenzymes (non-protein molecules) to be active and carry out their functions properly.
In summary, enzymes are vital to biological processes because they facilitate chemical reactions by lowering activation energy. Their specific action is due to their unique shape and structure, allowing them to interact with particular substrates.