Enzymes
Catalysts for chemical reactions in living things
Enzymes are biological molecules that catalyze chemical reactions in living organisms. They are typically proteins made up of long chains of amino acids. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.
Enzymes are highly specific and can only catalyze a particular type of reaction. This specificity is due to the three-dimensional shape of the enzyme, which is determined by its amino acid sequence. The specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction takes place is called the active site.
Enzymes can be regulated by a variety of factors, including pH, temperature, and the concentration of substrate and product molecules. Some enzymes require specific cofactors, such as vitamins or minerals, in order to function properly.
Enzymes play a critical role in many biological processes, including digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication. They are also used in industry and medicine for a wide range of applications, such as food processing, manufacturing, and drug development.
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