1. Life’s worker molecules
Enzymes
Life’s worker molecules

2. What is an enzyme?
A type of protein that can either break molecules apart or put molecules together.

3. What is an enzyme?
Enzymes are CATALYSTS because they speed up reactions
Examples of everyday catalysts:
Hair Dryer – speeds up drying your hair
Dish washer- speeds up the time it takes to clean dishes
Drive-through – speed up the time it takes to get
your food.
Remote- speeds up the time it takes to change
the channel (instead of having to get up)
They are found EVERYWHERE in the body
Without them you would not be able to live because the reactions that keep you alive would occur too SLOW!

4. Enzyme vocabulary
Active site- the “mouth” of the enzyme where it attaches to the substrate. (red)
Substrate- the molecule the enzyme works with (green)
Product- the molecule MADE by the enzyme (yellow and purple)

5. Enzymes are SPECIFIC!!!!
The shape of the active shape MUST fit the substrate in order for a reaction to occur.
Enzymes can only perform one type of job. For example: an enzyme that breaks down proteins can ONLY break down proteins. It cannot also break down fats. This is because the shape of proteins and the shape of fats are different.