Enzymes

Enzymes

• Enzymes are biological catalysts(they speed up reactions). Each enzyme has a different maximum temperature and top pH for their working conditions where they work at their optimum (the best performance they can give however if the temperature gets too great or too low the enzyme will denature and completely stop working, this is the same if it happens with the pH as well. Enzymes usually denature above 45 degrees Celsius. Enzymes are proteins.
• A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up. They are proteins that are folded into smaller, more complex shapes for smaller molecules to fit into. he place where the substrate goes is called the active site. If the shape of the enzyme changes then the active site may not work.
• Usually when the temperature increases so does the rate of the reaction however if the enzyme goes over a certain temperature (usually 45 degrees Celsius) the enzyme will denature and stop working properly. The enzyme can denature as a result of temperature or ph.
• The pH of an enzyme can change the shape of an enzyme so different enzymes need different pH's to work effectively but if the pH changes dramatically the enzyme will denature and stop working fully.
• Enzymes in cells catalyse things like photosynthesis, protein synthesis and aerobic respiration.

Enzymes in Digestion

• Digestion is the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into small soluble substances that can be absorbed by the sun. Lipases and proteases are used in biological detergents, and enzymes are used in the manufacture of food and drink.