Answer to Question #161387 in Biochemistry for Asim Abbas

Question

Enzyme and proteins. How the structure of enzyme help in its function?

Answer 1

The enzymes are made of protein. The enzymes work at optimum temperature and optimum pH so as to maintain its proper shape. The shape and structure of an enzyme is very important for its function. It is the structure of the enzyme that determine which reactant will bind to it for a reaction to proceed by forming specific chemical bonds. Any deformation in the structure of enzyme will prevent the reactant molecule to bind to the enzyme and form specific bonds. Thus, the reaction will not take place. A very famous model named Lock and key model according to which enzyme is the lock and reactant is a key. Like, key is specific for the lock so is reactant molecule specific to enzyme. This specificity ensure reactant molecule to fit in the enzyme properly. Therefore, an optimum temperature and pH are important for enzyme to function properly. Any changes in these parameters will denature or affect the structure of enzyme so will the enzyme activity that is the ability of the enzyme to function.