Enzymes
Enzymes: Definition Proteins that bind to a substrate and either make or break bonds (assist in chemical reactions)
Characteristic 1 Catalyze chemical reactions: Speed up Reactions Decrease the amount of activation energy
Characteristic 2 Work on highly specific substrates Substrate attaches to Active Site and is converted to product
Characteristic 3 Can be blocked by chemicals or toxins This prevents them from working Called inhibitors
Characteristic 4 Can Denature: change shape and stop working due to pH Temp Salt
Anatomy of an Enzyme Substrate binds at the active site