Answer to Question #112022 in Cell Biology for Suresh singh

Question

Explain the characteristics of enzyme and mechanism of its action.

Answer 1

Characteristics of an Enzyme :

• All enzymes are proteins.
• Speed up chemical reactions.
• They are required in minute amounts.
• They are highly specific in their action.
• They are affected by temperature.
• They are affected by pH.
• Some catalyze reversible reactions.
• Some require coenzymes.
• They are inhibited by inhibitors.

The basic function of an enzyme is to increase the rate of the reaction. Enzymes act specifically with only one reactant (called a substrate) to produce product. Enzymes are regulated from a state of low activity to high activity and vice versa.

• Substrate approaches active site. 

• Enzyme-substrate complex forms. 

• Substrate transformed into product. 

• Products released. 

• Enzyme recycled.

The area of an enzyme that binds to the substrate structure has a unique geometric shape that is designed to fit the molecular shape of the substrate. Each enzyme is substrate specific. Thus the active site that is complementary to the geometric shape of a substrate molecules.