Ive just started a biology course and the first thing I've been asked to do is research enzymes does anyone here kno anything about them? I know they are biological catalysts. I don't really want to sift through loads of irrelevant information on the internet.
2006-09-07 08:16:59 · 4 answers · asked by vikie101 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
its quite a vague question... sorry.. this is exactly what I got asked to do... its why im finding it a bit of a drag cos its vague
2006-09-07 08:38:45 · update #1
Enzymes are special proteins. They can catalyze biological reactions by changing and adapting the conformations of ligands or their substrates. Catalysts can't make thermodynamically unfavorable reactions go, but they can make slow thermodynamically favorable reactions move much faster. And enzyme can usually be spotted by its name: something-ASE. Like lipases are enzymes that cut fats. Nucleases are enzymes that cut DNA. Proteases cleave protein. And so forth.
y'know, a lot can be said about enzymes, it would help if you had a more focused question. wtf do you wanna know about enzymes? do you want to know about specific classes of enzymes? do you want to know their modes of action or what?
2006-09-07 08:27:53 · answer #1 · answered by Gumdrop Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are a type of protein in the body, specifically shaped (if looking at the "lock and key model") to allow chemical reactions to occur at lower temperatures than would otherwise be needed.
They are essential in almost all the body's functions, examples include Pepsin (decomposes proteins in your food) and Amylase (breaks down long chain hydrocarbons in the digestive system).
2006-09-07 08:50:51 · answer #2 · answered by theoneandonlyhaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out some micro websites - enzymes catalyze reactions - there are substrates etc. Lots to know.
2006-09-07 09:23:29 · answer #3 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that they are proteins and that high temperature can denature them.
2006-09-07 08:24:14 · answer #4 · answered by jmwest 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋