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Enzymes
Learning Outcomes
1. Define enzymes as proteins which function as biological catalysts. 2. Explain enzyme action in terms of the lock and key hypothesis 3. Investigate and describe the effect of temperature and of pH on enzyme activity
What is a catalyst?
1. A substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction. 2. Enzymes are biological catalysts.
What is an enzyme?
Enzymes are special compounds produced by living cells in a body of an organism that allow chemical reactions to take place at a faster rate. They act as catalysts. They are made of protein. They alter the rate of chemical reactions without themselves being chemically changed. Each enzyme has a unique shape.
Importance
Vital to maintain normal functioning in an organism
Uses
1. Digestion Complex insoluble molecules are broken down into small soluble molecules 2. Cellular respiration Oxidation of glucose to produce energy 3. Germination of seeds
Types of enzymes
1. Extracellular enzymes Enzymes leave the cell in which they were produced to exert their functions outside the cell. Eg salivary amylase
Enzyme action
1. Lock and key hypothesis 2. Enzyme catalyzed reaction:Lock = enzyme molecule Key = substrate molecule
Active site
Enzyme substrate complex
enzyme
substrate
enzyme
products
Active site
Enzyme substrate complex
amylase
starch
amylase
2 maltose units
Classification of enzymes
1. Hydrolysis = splitting of water (water molecules are needed to break down complex molecules) 2. Called hydrolases. Eg. (a) carbohydrases (carbohydrates) (b) amylases (starch) (c) cellulases (cellulose) (d) proteases (proteins) (e) lipases (fats)
Characteristics of Enzymes
1. Enzymes and speed of chemical reactions Enzymes alter or speed up the rates of chemical reactions that occur in a cell. Enzymes remain unchanged in the reactions Enzymes can be reused over and over again
2. Enzymes are required in minute amounts A very small amount of enzyme is capable of catalyzing a huge reaction.
3. Enzymes are VERY specific. Amylases will only act on starch and NOT on proteins or fats. The substances that enzymes act on are called substrates ( starch, proteins and fats)
4. Enzyme activity is affected by temperature. Enzymes have an optimum temperature at which they function very effectively. At low temperatures, enzymes are inactive. As the temperature increases, the rate of reaction increases. Beyond the optimum temperature, the enzyme activity decreases as the enzyme is denatured.
Rate of reaction
Optimum temperature
Enzyme is denatured. Structure is changed
Temperature
5. Enzyme activity is affected by pH Enzymes are affected by the acidity or alkalinity of solutions. Some work best in acidic environment (eg pepsin) Alkaline environment ( intestinal enzymes eg amylase) Extreme changes in pH can denature the enzymes.
pH
If you increase the concentration of substrate, the speed of enzyme reaction will increase. But, there will come a time when any more increase in the substrate concentration will not increase the speed of reaction. WHY?
As the substrate concentration increases, the rate of reaction initially increases proportionately as collisions between enzyme molecules and substrates become more frequent.
Enzyme Concentration
Learning Outcomes
1. Define enzymes as proteins which function as biological catalysts. 2. Explain enzyme action in terms of the lock and key hypothesis 3. Investigate and describe the effect of temperature and of pH on enzyme activity