Role of Enzymes

1. Cells are possibly the smallest chemical factories in the world. They build chemical compounds (anabolism) from raw materials and break down larger molecules (catabolism) to access the needed elements and energy for the body to function. Cellular chemical processes are called (metabolism)

Role of Enzymes 2. Metabolic reactions need a lot of energy (activation energy) One way cells manage metabolic reactions is through the help of enzymes. Enzymes are a type of protein that helps control and manage cell metabolism by making chemical reactions happen more efficiently. Enzymes lower the activation energy needed for reactions to happen.

Role of Enzymes 3. Enzyme compounds are molecules that have special areas called active sites. At the active sites, large molecules are broken into smaller molecules (catabolism) and small molecules are joined to make larger molecules (anabolism) The molecule the enzyme metabolizes is called a substrate.

Role of Enzymes 4. The shape of an enzyme’s active site matches the shape of the molecule that it metabolizes. If the active site does not match a molecule, it will not metabolize that molecule.

Role of Enzymes 5. Enzymes work best in certain conditions. High temperatures can change the shape of an enzyme and make it not work correctly. Most enzymes work best in environments where the pH range is 6-8. An exception is digestive enzymes in the human stomach that work best in pH 2. Some enzymes only work in the presence of other compounds (like zinc or iron) or with coenzymes (vitamins). Some compounds can block active sites or bond to the enzyme and change its shape (inhibitors).

Role of Enzymes 6. Enzymes are called catalysts because they help chemical reactions without being changed themselves. Because of enzymes, cells can manage millions of chemical reactions per second, and provide energy and materials to make your body function.