An enzyme is a three dimensional globular protein that has specific chemical composition due to its component amino acids and a specific shape. Every enzyme by virtue of its specific city recognizes and reacts with the special chemicals substance called substrate. Any enzyme, therefore, reacts only with its specific substrate and transforms it into product(s). It is then released unaltered and thus can be used again and again.
An enzyme and its substrate react with each other through a definite charge-bearing site of an enzyme called active site. The charge and shape of the active site is formed by some amino acids present polypeptide chain of the active site is formed by some amino acids present in the polypeptide chain of the enzyme. These amino acids are brought closer and are arranged in a specific way by coiling and folding of the polypeptide chain within the globular symmetry of the enzyme.
Characteristics of Enzymes:
Enzymes, the biochemical catalysts posses the following important characteristics:
1. All enzymes are globular proteins.
2. They increase the rate of reaction without themselves being used up.
3. There presence does not affect the nature or properties of end products.
4. Small amounts of an enzyme can accelerate chemical reaction.
5. They are very specific in their action; a single enzyme catalizes only a single chemical reaction or a group of related reactions.
6. They are sensitive to even a minor change in pH, temperature and substrate concentration.
7. Some enzymes require a co-factor for their proper functioning.
8. They lower the activation energy of the reaction.
An enzyme and its substrate react with each other through a definite charge-bearing site of an enzyme called active site. The charge and shape of the active site is formed by some amino acids present polypeptide chain of the active site is formed by some amino acids present in the polypeptide chain of the enzyme. These amino acids are brought closer and are arranged in a specific way by coiling and folding of the polypeptide chain within the globular symmetry of the enzyme.
Characteristics of Enzymes:
Enzymes, the biochemical catalysts posses the following important characteristics:
1. All enzymes are globular proteins.
2. They increase the rate of reaction without themselves being used up.
3. There presence does not affect the nature or properties of end products.
4. Small amounts of an enzyme can accelerate chemical reaction.
5. They are very specific in their action; a single enzyme catalizes only a single chemical reaction or a group of related reactions.
6. They are sensitive to even a minor change in pH, temperature and substrate concentration.
7. Some enzymes require a co-factor for their proper functioning.
8. They lower the activation energy of the reaction.
