Hi all. Could you please help me with the definition of enzymes.?

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Enzymes are biological molecules or protiens which helps in regulating the rate of chemical reactions taking place in a human body . They are also called Biological Catalysts!

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Enzymes are protein molecules in cells which work as biological catalysts. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in the body, but do not get used up in the process, therefore can be used over and over again. Almost all biochemical reactions in living things needenzymes. ...

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Enzymes: Definition and Functions

Introduction to Enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts that play a crucial role in various metabolic processes within living organisms. They are typically proteins that facilitate and accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Enzymes are highly specific and only catalyze specific reactions, making them essential for maintaining life processes.

Structure of Enzymes
Enzymes are composed of long chains of amino acids that fold into complex three-dimensional structures. This unique structure allows enzymes to bind with specific substrates, the molecules on which the enzyme acts. The region of the enzyme that binds with the substrate is known as the active site. The active site has a specific shape that complements the shape of the substrate, resulting in a precise fit.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex
When an enzyme encounters its specific substrate, they bind together to form an enzyme-substrate complex. This complex undergoes a series of interactions that lead to the conversion of the substrate into the desired product. The enzyme remains unchanged after the reaction and can be reused for subsequent reactions.

Enzyme Specificity
Enzymes exhibit high specificity for their substrates. This specificity is determined by the shape and chemical properties of both the enzyme and the substrate. Enzymes are designed to recognize and bind with specific substrates, allowing them to catalyze specific reactions. This ensures that chemical reactions occur only when needed, preventing unwanted side reactions.

Enzyme Action
Enzymes work by facilitating chemical reactions, primarily by decreasing the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. Activation energy is the energy needed to initiate a chemical reaction. By lowering this energy barrier, enzymes increase the rate of the reaction, allowing it to occur at a faster pace. Enzymes achieve this by stabilizing the transition state of the reaction, making it easier for the substrate to reach its final form.

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
Several factors influence the activity of enzymes, including temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators. Each enzyme has an optimal range for these factors, and any deviation from the optimal conditions can significantly affect enzyme activity.

Importance of Enzymes
Enzymes are vital for the proper functioning of living organisms. They participate in various essential processes, including digestion, respiration, metabolism, and DNA replication. Without enzymes, these processes would occur too slowly to sustain life. Additionally, enzymes allow organisms to respond to changes in their environment by regulating metabolic pathways.

Conclusion
Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required. They are highly specific, binding with specific substrates to form an enzyme-substrate complex. Enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining life processes and are essential for the proper functioning of living organisms. Understanding the structure, function, and factors affecting enzyme activity provides valuable insights into the fundamental principles of biology.

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Enzyms

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