Enzymes...??

Question

Enzymes are biological catalyists. Explain what they do in living systems.


thanks

Answer 1

ENZYMES normally operate by reducing the ACTIVATION ENERGY required to start reactions thus reducing the thermal energy (high temperature) which would otherwise be needed but detrimental to living systems. In general enzymes function by providing a convenient surface for bringing together the reactants and then becoming separated from them.

Enzymes influence various types of reactions:

larger molecules may be synthesized from smaller ones
larger molecules may be hydrolyzed into smaller ones
atoms may be exchanged between molecules
atoms may be rearranged within molecules

Some enzymes operate in two parts: an APOENZYME which is the protein portion and a COENZYME which is an organic molecule often constituted of a vitamin and a phosphate combination. Inorganic molecules which aid enzymes are often called COFACTORS. Some enzymes require the presence of specific ions (salivary amylase requires Cl-) to carry out their job.

Answer 2

In a nutshell, they enable things to happen, i.e. enzymes in saliva assist the process of digestion

Answer 3

assist in digestion......also have natural soap qualities.
i learned in college
that this is the reason humans when needing to clean a smudge will lick their finger tip and CLEAN whatever tiny spot they need to, look into it, i found it quite interesting

Answer 4

They eat and digest organisms and then crap them out