Answered: Describe enzyme action.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Question

Describe enzyme action.

Expert Solution

Step 1

In biology, enzymes are a kind of protein molecule that functions as a catalyst (or biocatalyst) and enhances the rate of chemical reactions occurring within the body of an organism without participating in the reaction directly.

Step 2

The biocatalyst enhances the rate of a chemical reaction by reducing the activation energy of the reaction. The mechanism through which an enzyme works can be explained in the following steps:

The enzymes alter the rate of reaction by binding with the reactant molecules (these are also termed as substrate molecules).
The substrate binds with the molecule of the enzyme at a particular site, called the active site. The shape of the active site is in accordance with the shape of the substrate, and enzymes are thus, specific for different reactions.
After binding with the enzyme, the substrate and enzyme molecule form an enzyme-substrate complex; at this stage, the enzyme aids in the structural changes of the reactant molecule (favours both breaking and formation of bonds).
The alterations in the structure of the substrate change it into new molecules (or the products), which are then released from the active site of the enzyme.
The enzyme molecule is again available in the medium for catalyzing another round of chemical reactions with an empty active site.