Enzymes (Essentials of Biochemistry and Enzymology)
Enzymes Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts in living organisms. They are protein in nature. They speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning each enzyme catalyzes a particular reaction or a group of similar reactions. They are crucial for various biological processes in the body, such as digestion, metabolism, and cell signaling. * Most enzymes lose their activity when heated, a process known as denaturation. This is due to the disruption of their protein structure. Types of Enzymes Cofactor: The non-protein part is called a cofactor and is necessary for the catalytic function of the enzymes. * Cofactors are generally stable to heat, meaning they can withstand high temperatures without losing their activity. Types of Cofactors: Prosthetic Group: A cofactor that is firmly bound to the apoenzyme. It is considered an integral part of the enzyme structure. Coenzyme: A cof...