Enzymes | Explanation of Enzymes

Enzymes are globular proteins that tremendously increase the rate of biochemical reaction without being used up and are called enzymes. 

• Composition and structure of enzymes.
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• Enzymes are made-up of amino acids.

Active site.

Those who take part in the reaction are called active site.

Substrate.

The substance that reacts with enzymes is called substrate.

Product.

The substance that formed after enzyme action is called a product.

Cofactor

The non-protein part that is required for enzyme action is called cofactor.

Importance.

It acts as a bridge between enzyme and substrate.

• They provide chemical energy.
• Some take part in a chemical reaction.

Example.

NAD and FAD.

Types of cofactors.

Prosthetic group.

It is covalently attached with a cofactor called prosthetic group.

They may be organic or inorganic.

Example.

Heme group.

Coenzyme.

They are loosely attached with an enzyme called coenzyme.

They are organic.

Example.

NADH and FAD.

Activator.

They form linkage with enzymes other than covalent.

They are inorganic.

Example.

Metal ions.

Characteristics of enzymes. 

• Enzymes are globular proteins.
• They increase the rate of reaction.
• They are specific for a reaction.
• Enzymes have no effect on the end product.
• They accelerate the reaction in small amounts.
• They are sensitive to pH and temperature.
• Enzymes are lower activation energy.