NEET Exam  >  NEET Notes  >  Biotechnology for Class 11  >  NCERT Textbook: Enzymes and Bioenergetics

NCERT Textbook: Enzymes and Bioenergetics | Biotechnology for Class 11 - NEET PDF Download

Download, print and study this document offline
Please wait while the PDF view is loading
 Page 1


Chapter 4
Enzymes and 
Bioenergetics
4.1. Enzymes:  
Classi??cation and 
Mode of Action
4.2. Brief Introduction to 
Bioenergetics 
4.1 Enzym Es : Classifi Cation and m od E 
  of a Ction Enzymes are biocatalysts which catalyse the biochemical 
reactions both in vivo as well as in vitro. These are highly 
speci??c to substrates and have great catalytic power, 
i.e., they enhance the rate of reaction tremendously 
without being changed. All enzymes are proteins with 
exception of some small group of catalytic RNA molecules 
called ribozymes. Like proteins, the molecular weight of 
enzymes ranges from about 2000 to more than one million 
Dalton. Enzymatic activity of proteinaceous enzymes may 
be affected depending on the conformational structure as 
well as its denaturation. There are many enzymes which 
require cofactors for their catalytic activity. The cofactor 
may be a complex organic molecule called coenzyme 
(Table 4.1) or it may be a metal ion such as Fe
2+
, Mn
2+
, 
Zn
2+
, Mg
2+
 (Table 4.2). An enzyme plus its cofactor is called 
holoenzyme. In such cases, the protein component in 
cofactor requiring enzyme is called apoenzyme. 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   85 09/01/2025   15:22:06
Reprint 2025-26
Page 2


Chapter 4
Enzymes and 
Bioenergetics
4.1. Enzymes:  
Classi??cation and 
Mode of Action
4.2. Brief Introduction to 
Bioenergetics 
4.1 Enzym Es : Classifi Cation and m od E 
  of a Ction Enzymes are biocatalysts which catalyse the biochemical 
reactions both in vivo as well as in vitro. These are highly 
speci??c to substrates and have great catalytic power, 
i.e., they enhance the rate of reaction tremendously 
without being changed. All enzymes are proteins with 
exception of some small group of catalytic RNA molecules 
called ribozymes. Like proteins, the molecular weight of 
enzymes ranges from about 2000 to more than one million 
Dalton. Enzymatic activity of proteinaceous enzymes may 
be affected depending on the conformational structure as 
well as its denaturation. There are many enzymes which 
require cofactors for their catalytic activity. The cofactor 
may be a complex organic molecule called coenzyme 
(Table 4.1) or it may be a metal ion such as Fe
2+
, Mn
2+
, 
Zn
2+
, Mg
2+
 (Table 4.2). An enzyme plus its cofactor is called 
holoenzyme. In such cases, the protein component in 
cofactor requiring enzyme is called apoenzyme. 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   85 09/01/2025   15:22:06
Reprint 2025-26
Biotechnology 86
Table 4.1: Some coenzymes and their precursor vitamins and their role
Coenzyme Precursor vitamin Role in the catalytic reaction
Biocytin Biotin (vitamin B7) Transfer of CO
2
Coenzyme B12 (5'-adenosylcobalamin) Vitamin B12 Transfer of an alkyl group
Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) Ribo??avin (vitamin B2) Transfer of electrons
Coenzyme A
Pantothenic acid 
(vitamin B5)
Transfer of acyl and alkyl group
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) Niacin (vitamin B3) Transfer of hydride (:H
-
)
Pyridoxal phosphate Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) Transfer of amino group
Thiamine pyrophosphate Thiamine (vitamin B1) Transfer of aldehydes 
Tetrahydrofolate Folic acid (vitamin B9) Transfer of one carbon group
Coenzymes take part in catalysis transiently and are 
carriers of speci??c functional groups. Most of the 
coenzymes are derived from vitamins (organic nutrients 
required in small amounts in diet).
Table 4.2: Metal ions that serve as cofactors for enzymes
Metal Ions Enzyme name
Fe
2+
 or Fe
3+
Catalase, peroxidase, cytochrome oxidase
Cu
2+
Cytochrome oxidase 
Mg
2+
DNA polymerase
Mn
2+
Arginase
K
+
Pyruvate kinase
Mo
2+
Nitrogenase, nitrate reductase
Zn
2+
Carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase
Ni
2+
Urease 
When a coenzyme or metal ion is tightly bound through 
covalent bond with the enzyme protein, it is called a 
prosthetic group.
4.1.1 Classi??cation of enzymes
In order to have a systematic study and to avoid ambiguities 
considering the fact that new enzymes may also be 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   86 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
Page 3


Chapter 4
Enzymes and 
Bioenergetics
4.1. Enzymes:  
Classi??cation and 
Mode of Action
4.2. Brief Introduction to 
Bioenergetics 
4.1 Enzym Es : Classifi Cation and m od E 
  of a Ction Enzymes are biocatalysts which catalyse the biochemical 
reactions both in vivo as well as in vitro. These are highly 
speci??c to substrates and have great catalytic power, 
i.e., they enhance the rate of reaction tremendously 
without being changed. All enzymes are proteins with 
exception of some small group of catalytic RNA molecules 
called ribozymes. Like proteins, the molecular weight of 
enzymes ranges from about 2000 to more than one million 
Dalton. Enzymatic activity of proteinaceous enzymes may 
be affected depending on the conformational structure as 
well as its denaturation. There are many enzymes which 
require cofactors for their catalytic activity. The cofactor 
may be a complex organic molecule called coenzyme 
(Table 4.1) or it may be a metal ion such as Fe
2+
, Mn
2+
, 
Zn
2+
, Mg
2+
 (Table 4.2). An enzyme plus its cofactor is called 
holoenzyme. In such cases, the protein component in 
cofactor requiring enzyme is called apoenzyme. 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   85 09/01/2025   15:22:06
Reprint 2025-26
Biotechnology 86
Table 4.1: Some coenzymes and their precursor vitamins and their role
Coenzyme Precursor vitamin Role in the catalytic reaction
Biocytin Biotin (vitamin B7) Transfer of CO
2
Coenzyme B12 (5'-adenosylcobalamin) Vitamin B12 Transfer of an alkyl group
Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) Ribo??avin (vitamin B2) Transfer of electrons
Coenzyme A
Pantothenic acid 
(vitamin B5)
Transfer of acyl and alkyl group
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) Niacin (vitamin B3) Transfer of hydride (:H
-
)
Pyridoxal phosphate Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) Transfer of amino group
Thiamine pyrophosphate Thiamine (vitamin B1) Transfer of aldehydes 
Tetrahydrofolate Folic acid (vitamin B9) Transfer of one carbon group
Coenzymes take part in catalysis transiently and are 
carriers of speci??c functional groups. Most of the 
coenzymes are derived from vitamins (organic nutrients 
required in small amounts in diet).
Table 4.2: Metal ions that serve as cofactors for enzymes
Metal Ions Enzyme name
Fe
2+
 or Fe
3+
Catalase, peroxidase, cytochrome oxidase
Cu
2+
Cytochrome oxidase 
Mg
2+
DNA polymerase
Mn
2+
Arginase
K
+
Pyruvate kinase
Mo
2+
Nitrogenase, nitrate reductase
Zn
2+
Carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase
Ni
2+
Urease 
When a coenzyme or metal ion is tightly bound through 
covalent bond with the enzyme protein, it is called a 
prosthetic group.
4.1.1 Classi??cation of enzymes
In order to have a systematic study and to avoid ambiguities 
considering the fact that new enzymes may also be 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   86 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
e nzym e s and Bio e n e rg e tics 87
discovered, International Union of Biochemistry (I.U.B.) 
in 1964 has adopted classi??cation of enzymes depending 
on the type of reactions they catalyze. According to this 
commission, all enzymes are classi??ed into 6 major 
classes, but recently, another class of enzymes namely 
translocase has been added (Table 4.3). 
Table 4.3: Classi??cation of enzymes adopted by I.U.B.
Class 
No.
Class name Type of reaction catalyze
1. Oxidoreductases Oxidation-reduction reactions (transfer of electrons)
2. Transferases Transfer of groups
3. Hydrolases Hydrolytic reactions (transfer of functional groups to water)
4. Lyases Addition or removal of groups to form double bonds
5. Isomerases Transfer of groups within molecules to yield isomeric forms
6. Ligases Condensation of two molecules coupled through ATP hydrolysis
7. Translocase Transfer of ion/molecules across the membrane
Isozymes
Many enzymes are present in multiple forms (more than 
one molecular form) in the same species, tissue or even 
in the same cell. These enzymes are called isoenzymes 
or isozymes. Isoenzymes catalyse the same reaction but 
have different amino acid composition, hence, possess 
different physicochemical properties. For example, a 
glycolytic enzyme, hexokinase exists in four isozyme forms 
in various tissues. Similarly, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 
involved in anaerobic glucose metabolism has five isozyme 
forms in human. 
Enzyme active site
The catalytic reaction performed by enzymes occurs at a 
particular site on the enzyme. This site is called active 
site, and represents only small part of the total size of 
the enzyme. The active site is a clearly de??ned pocket or 
cleft in the enzyme molecule where the whole or a portion 
of substrate can ??t. Active site has a three-dimensional 
structure since it consists of portions of a polypeptide 
chain. Various non-covalent bonds involved in enzyme 
substrate binding are electrostatic interactions, hydrogen 
bonds,  Van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions. 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   87 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
Page 4


Chapter 4
Enzymes and 
Bioenergetics
4.1. Enzymes:  
Classi??cation and 
Mode of Action
4.2. Brief Introduction to 
Bioenergetics 
4.1 Enzym Es : Classifi Cation and m od E 
  of a Ction Enzymes are biocatalysts which catalyse the biochemical 
reactions both in vivo as well as in vitro. These are highly 
speci??c to substrates and have great catalytic power, 
i.e., they enhance the rate of reaction tremendously 
without being changed. All enzymes are proteins with 
exception of some small group of catalytic RNA molecules 
called ribozymes. Like proteins, the molecular weight of 
enzymes ranges from about 2000 to more than one million 
Dalton. Enzymatic activity of proteinaceous enzymes may 
be affected depending on the conformational structure as 
well as its denaturation. There are many enzymes which 
require cofactors for their catalytic activity. The cofactor 
may be a complex organic molecule called coenzyme 
(Table 4.1) or it may be a metal ion such as Fe
2+
, Mn
2+
, 
Zn
2+
, Mg
2+
 (Table 4.2). An enzyme plus its cofactor is called 
holoenzyme. In such cases, the protein component in 
cofactor requiring enzyme is called apoenzyme. 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   85 09/01/2025   15:22:06
Reprint 2025-26
Biotechnology 86
Table 4.1: Some coenzymes and their precursor vitamins and their role
Coenzyme Precursor vitamin Role in the catalytic reaction
Biocytin Biotin (vitamin B7) Transfer of CO
2
Coenzyme B12 (5'-adenosylcobalamin) Vitamin B12 Transfer of an alkyl group
Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) Ribo??avin (vitamin B2) Transfer of electrons
Coenzyme A
Pantothenic acid 
(vitamin B5)
Transfer of acyl and alkyl group
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) Niacin (vitamin B3) Transfer of hydride (:H
-
)
Pyridoxal phosphate Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) Transfer of amino group
Thiamine pyrophosphate Thiamine (vitamin B1) Transfer of aldehydes 
Tetrahydrofolate Folic acid (vitamin B9) Transfer of one carbon group
Coenzymes take part in catalysis transiently and are 
carriers of speci??c functional groups. Most of the 
coenzymes are derived from vitamins (organic nutrients 
required in small amounts in diet).
Table 4.2: Metal ions that serve as cofactors for enzymes
Metal Ions Enzyme name
Fe
2+
 or Fe
3+
Catalase, peroxidase, cytochrome oxidase
Cu
2+
Cytochrome oxidase 
Mg
2+
DNA polymerase
Mn
2+
Arginase
K
+
Pyruvate kinase
Mo
2+
Nitrogenase, nitrate reductase
Zn
2+
Carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase
Ni
2+
Urease 
When a coenzyme or metal ion is tightly bound through 
covalent bond with the enzyme protein, it is called a 
prosthetic group.
4.1.1 Classi??cation of enzymes
In order to have a systematic study and to avoid ambiguities 
considering the fact that new enzymes may also be 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   86 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
e nzym e s and Bio e n e rg e tics 87
discovered, International Union of Biochemistry (I.U.B.) 
in 1964 has adopted classi??cation of enzymes depending 
on the type of reactions they catalyze. According to this 
commission, all enzymes are classi??ed into 6 major 
classes, but recently, another class of enzymes namely 
translocase has been added (Table 4.3). 
Table 4.3: Classi??cation of enzymes adopted by I.U.B.
Class 
No.
Class name Type of reaction catalyze
1. Oxidoreductases Oxidation-reduction reactions (transfer of electrons)
2. Transferases Transfer of groups
3. Hydrolases Hydrolytic reactions (transfer of functional groups to water)
4. Lyases Addition or removal of groups to form double bonds
5. Isomerases Transfer of groups within molecules to yield isomeric forms
6. Ligases Condensation of two molecules coupled through ATP hydrolysis
7. Translocase Transfer of ion/molecules across the membrane
Isozymes
Many enzymes are present in multiple forms (more than 
one molecular form) in the same species, tissue or even 
in the same cell. These enzymes are called isoenzymes 
or isozymes. Isoenzymes catalyse the same reaction but 
have different amino acid composition, hence, possess 
different physicochemical properties. For example, a 
glycolytic enzyme, hexokinase exists in four isozyme forms 
in various tissues. Similarly, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 
involved in anaerobic glucose metabolism has five isozyme 
forms in human. 
Enzyme active site
The catalytic reaction performed by enzymes occurs at a 
particular site on the enzyme. This site is called active 
site, and represents only small part of the total size of 
the enzyme. The active site is a clearly de??ned pocket or 
cleft in the enzyme molecule where the whole or a portion 
of substrate can ??t. Active site has a three-dimensional 
structure since it consists of portions of a polypeptide 
chain. Various non-covalent bonds involved in enzyme 
substrate binding are electrostatic interactions, hydrogen 
bonds,  Van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions. 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   87 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
Biotechnology 88
Fischer’s Lock and Key Model
In 1894, the introduction of Lock and Key Model for the 
substrate and enzyme interaction was proposed by Emil 
Fischer. According to this model, complementary structural 
features are present between enzyme and substrate, and 
the active site is pre-shaped to ??t the substrate. The 
substrate can ??t into its complementary site on the enzyme 
as a key ??ts into a lock. This results in the formation of an 
enzyme-substrate complex (Fig. 4.1).
Koshland’s Induced Fit Model
Daniel Koshland in 1958 proposed Induced  Fit  Hypothesis. 
He suggested that the structure of a substrate may be 
complementary to that of the active site in the enzyme-
substrate complex but not in the free enzyme. The interaction 
between the substrate and the enzyme induces 
conformational changes in the enzyme which aligns the 
amino acid residues or other groups for substrate binding, 
catalysis, or both (Fig 4.2). The relationship between a 
substrate and an active site resembles hand and glove. 
During interaction, the structure of one component, i.e., 
substrate or hand remains rigid and the shape of the second 
+
Enzyme Substrate Enzyme Substrate
complex
Fig. 4.1: Interaction between an enzyme and its substrate accord-
ing to lock and key model
Fig. 4.2: Interaction between an enzyme and its substrate according 
to induced ??t model
+
Enzyme Substrate Enzyme Substrate
complex
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   88 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
Page 5


Chapter 4
Enzymes and 
Bioenergetics
4.1. Enzymes:  
Classi??cation and 
Mode of Action
4.2. Brief Introduction to 
Bioenergetics 
4.1 Enzym Es : Classifi Cation and m od E 
  of a Ction Enzymes are biocatalysts which catalyse the biochemical 
reactions both in vivo as well as in vitro. These are highly 
speci??c to substrates and have great catalytic power, 
i.e., they enhance the rate of reaction tremendously 
without being changed. All enzymes are proteins with 
exception of some small group of catalytic RNA molecules 
called ribozymes. Like proteins, the molecular weight of 
enzymes ranges from about 2000 to more than one million 
Dalton. Enzymatic activity of proteinaceous enzymes may 
be affected depending on the conformational structure as 
well as its denaturation. There are many enzymes which 
require cofactors for their catalytic activity. The cofactor 
may be a complex organic molecule called coenzyme 
(Table 4.1) or it may be a metal ion such as Fe
2+
, Mn
2+
, 
Zn
2+
, Mg
2+
 (Table 4.2). An enzyme plus its cofactor is called 
holoenzyme. In such cases, the protein component in 
cofactor requiring enzyme is called apoenzyme. 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   85 09/01/2025   15:22:06
Reprint 2025-26
Biotechnology 86
Table 4.1: Some coenzymes and their precursor vitamins and their role
Coenzyme Precursor vitamin Role in the catalytic reaction
Biocytin Biotin (vitamin B7) Transfer of CO
2
Coenzyme B12 (5'-adenosylcobalamin) Vitamin B12 Transfer of an alkyl group
Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) Ribo??avin (vitamin B2) Transfer of electrons
Coenzyme A
Pantothenic acid 
(vitamin B5)
Transfer of acyl and alkyl group
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) Niacin (vitamin B3) Transfer of hydride (:H
-
)
Pyridoxal phosphate Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) Transfer of amino group
Thiamine pyrophosphate Thiamine (vitamin B1) Transfer of aldehydes 
Tetrahydrofolate Folic acid (vitamin B9) Transfer of one carbon group
Coenzymes take part in catalysis transiently and are 
carriers of speci??c functional groups. Most of the 
coenzymes are derived from vitamins (organic nutrients 
required in small amounts in diet).
Table 4.2: Metal ions that serve as cofactors for enzymes
Metal Ions Enzyme name
Fe
2+
 or Fe
3+
Catalase, peroxidase, cytochrome oxidase
Cu
2+
Cytochrome oxidase 
Mg
2+
DNA polymerase
Mn
2+
Arginase
K
+
Pyruvate kinase
Mo
2+
Nitrogenase, nitrate reductase
Zn
2+
Carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase
Ni
2+
Urease 
When a coenzyme or metal ion is tightly bound through 
covalent bond with the enzyme protein, it is called a 
prosthetic group.
4.1.1 Classi??cation of enzymes
In order to have a systematic study and to avoid ambiguities 
considering the fact that new enzymes may also be 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   86 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
e nzym e s and Bio e n e rg e tics 87
discovered, International Union of Biochemistry (I.U.B.) 
in 1964 has adopted classi??cation of enzymes depending 
on the type of reactions they catalyze. According to this 
commission, all enzymes are classi??ed into 6 major 
classes, but recently, another class of enzymes namely 
translocase has been added (Table 4.3). 
Table 4.3: Classi??cation of enzymes adopted by I.U.B.
Class 
No.
Class name Type of reaction catalyze
1. Oxidoreductases Oxidation-reduction reactions (transfer of electrons)
2. Transferases Transfer of groups
3. Hydrolases Hydrolytic reactions (transfer of functional groups to water)
4. Lyases Addition or removal of groups to form double bonds
5. Isomerases Transfer of groups within molecules to yield isomeric forms
6. Ligases Condensation of two molecules coupled through ATP hydrolysis
7. Translocase Transfer of ion/molecules across the membrane
Isozymes
Many enzymes are present in multiple forms (more than 
one molecular form) in the same species, tissue or even 
in the same cell. These enzymes are called isoenzymes 
or isozymes. Isoenzymes catalyse the same reaction but 
have different amino acid composition, hence, possess 
different physicochemical properties. For example, a 
glycolytic enzyme, hexokinase exists in four isozyme forms 
in various tissues. Similarly, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 
involved in anaerobic glucose metabolism has five isozyme 
forms in human. 
Enzyme active site
The catalytic reaction performed by enzymes occurs at a 
particular site on the enzyme. This site is called active 
site, and represents only small part of the total size of 
the enzyme. The active site is a clearly de??ned pocket or 
cleft in the enzyme molecule where the whole or a portion 
of substrate can ??t. Active site has a three-dimensional 
structure since it consists of portions of a polypeptide 
chain. Various non-covalent bonds involved in enzyme 
substrate binding are electrostatic interactions, hydrogen 
bonds,  Van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions. 
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   87 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
Biotechnology 88
Fischer’s Lock and Key Model
In 1894, the introduction of Lock and Key Model for the 
substrate and enzyme interaction was proposed by Emil 
Fischer. According to this model, complementary structural 
features are present between enzyme and substrate, and 
the active site is pre-shaped to ??t the substrate. The 
substrate can ??t into its complementary site on the enzyme 
as a key ??ts into a lock. This results in the formation of an 
enzyme-substrate complex (Fig. 4.1).
Koshland’s Induced Fit Model
Daniel Koshland in 1958 proposed Induced  Fit  Hypothesis. 
He suggested that the structure of a substrate may be 
complementary to that of the active site in the enzyme-
substrate complex but not in the free enzyme. The interaction 
between the substrate and the enzyme induces 
conformational changes in the enzyme which aligns the 
amino acid residues or other groups for substrate binding, 
catalysis, or both (Fig 4.2). The relationship between a 
substrate and an active site resembles hand and glove. 
During interaction, the structure of one component, i.e., 
substrate or hand remains rigid and the shape of the second 
+
Enzyme Substrate Enzyme Substrate
complex
Fig. 4.1: Interaction between an enzyme and its substrate accord-
ing to lock and key model
Fig. 4.2: Interaction between an enzyme and its substrate according 
to induced ??t model
+
Enzyme Substrate Enzyme Substrate
complex
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   88 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
e nzym e s and Bio e n e rg e tics 89
component, i.e., active site or glove ??exible to become 
complementary to that of the ??rst.
Enzyme speci??city
The enzymes are highly speci??c in action.  In fact, the 
properties that make enzymes such a strong catalyst 
are their speci??city of substrate binding and their ideal 
arrangement of catalytic groups. Various types of enzyme 
speci??city are: group speci??city, absolute speci??city, 
stereospeci??city, and geometrical speci??city. When 
enzymes act on several different closely related substrates 
then it is called group speci??city . When enzymes act 
only on one particular substrate, it is called absolute 
speci??city . Stereochemical or optical speci??city 
occurs when substrate exists in two stereochemical forms 
(chemically identical but different arrangement of atoms 
in three-dimensional space) then only one of the isomers 
will undergo reaction by particular enzyme. For example, 
D-amino acid oxidase catalyses oxidation of the D-amino 
acids to keto acids. In geometrical speci??city , enzymes 
are speci??c towards cis and trans forms. For example, 
fumarase catalyses the interconversion of fumarate and 
malate.
4.1.2 Factors affecting enzyme activity
Rate of enzyme catalysed reactions is 
in??uenced by changing the environmental 
conditions. The important factors that 
in??uence the velocity of enzyme catalysed 
reactions are temperature, pH, substrate 
concentration, and modulators.
1. Temperature 
The rate of an enzyme catalysed reaction 
increases with the increase in temperature 
up to a maximum and then falls. When 
a graph is plotted between temperature 
versus enzyme activity, a bell-shaped curve 
is obtained (Fig. 4.3). The temperature at 
which the maximum rate of reaction occurs 
is called the enzyme’s optimum temperature. 
The optimum temperature is different 
for different enzymes; but for most of the 
Optimum
temperature
Reaction velocity
Tem erature (ºC) p
Fig. 4.3: Effect of temperature on enzyme 
activity
Chapter 4 enzymes and Bioengertics.indd   89 09/01/2025   15:22:07
Reprint 2025-26
Read More
24 docs

FAQs on NCERT Textbook: Enzymes and Bioenergetics - Biotechnology for Class 11 - NEET

1. What are enzymes and what role do they play in biochemical reactions?
Ans. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions in living organisms. They lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur, allowing processes such as digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication to happen more efficiently. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate and reaction, facilitating the conversion of substrates into products.
2. How do enzymes work and what factors affect their activity?
Ans. Enzymes work by binding to their specific substrates at a region called the active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This interaction stabilizes the transition state, making it easier for the reaction to occur. Factors that affect enzyme activity include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators. Each enzyme has an optimal temperature and pH range where it functions best.
3. What is bioenergetics and how does it relate to enzymes?
Ans. Bioenergetics is the study of energy flow and transformation in biological systems. It examines how organisms obtain and utilize energy through metabolic processes. Enzymes play a crucial role in bioenergetics by facilitating reactions involved in energy production, such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis, thereby enabling organisms to harness energy from their environment.
4. What are enzyme inhibitors and how do they affect enzymatic activity?
Ans. Enzyme inhibitors are molecules that decrease or prevent the activity of enzymes. They can bind to the active site, preventing substrate access (competitive inhibition) or bind to another site on the enzyme, causing a change in shape that reduces activity (non-competitive inhibition). Inhibitors can be natural or synthetic and are often used in medicine to regulate metabolic pathways.
5. Why are enzymes important in industrial applications and biotechnology?
Ans. Enzymes are important in industrial applications and biotechnology because they can enhance efficiency and specificity in various processes, such as food production, biofuel generation, and pharmaceuticals. They can operate under mild conditions (e.g., low temperatures and pressures) and can reduce the need for harsh chemicals, making processes more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Related Searches

NCERT Textbook: Enzymes and Bioenergetics | Biotechnology for Class 11 - NEET

,

pdf

,

Exam

,

Summary

,

study material

,

video lectures

,

Free

,

Semester Notes

,

MCQs

,

Objective type Questions

,

past year papers

,

ppt

,

NCERT Textbook: Enzymes and Bioenergetics | Biotechnology for Class 11 - NEET

,

mock tests for examination

,

NCERT Textbook: Enzymes and Bioenergetics | Biotechnology for Class 11 - NEET

,

Sample Paper

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Extra Questions

,

Viva Questions

,

practice quizzes

,

Important questions

;