Enzymes Biological Catalysts

Enzymes Enzymes are catalysts that speed up the rate of a chemical reaction. Some enzymes aid in hydrolysis by breaking large molecules apart Some enzymes aid in dehydration synthesis by building large molecules from smaller ones There are many different enzymes, each is specific to its reaction All enzymes end in -ase

Energy of Activation Enzymes lower the activation energy needed for chemical reactions to occur.

How enzymes work Lock-and-Key Model Enzyme releases two products of the hydrolysis reaction it facilitated Substrate shape and enzyme shape are specific at active site like a lock and key Substrate binds to active site. Enzyme facilitates the hydrolysis of the substrate

How enzymes work Induced-Fit Model Enzyme returns to its original shape after the products of hydrolysis are released After substrate binds at active site the enzyme changes shape slightly