Essay
BioChemistry - Enzymes and their functions.
- Module
- Environmental science
- Institution
- University Of Central Lancashire Preston (UClan)
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YOC005 Ryan MulcahyThe functioning of an enzyme is linked to its structure. Described the structure
of an enzyme and the factors that affect it.
Within this set assignment, I will be discussing about numerous factors that
corresponds with enzymes. I shall be discussing: what an enzyme is, the lock and
key structure, the denaturing of enzymes, catalysts, the role of the enzyme, types of
enzymes and finally, an enzyme known as sucrose.
Enzymes
Enzymes are the protein molecules that can rapidly increase the rate of all chemical
reactions that are ongoing within our body and cells. They are essential to sustain
life and have a great range of functions; these can include aiding digestion and
maintaining metabolism.
Enzymes can be molded into different, unique and complex shapes that can allocate
smaller molecules, known as substrates, to fit into them. A common term that this is
known by is called the lock and key fit. The lock is known as the enzyme and the key
is known as the substrate. Enzymes come in different shapes and have a unique
individual fit that can only become complete when the correct substrate can fit in. If
the substrate is too big, too small or hits at the incorrect angle, it will then bounce
away until the right fit or angle is connected.
The enzymes have active sites that can become ‘full’ when the substrate molecule is
inserted. If the shape of the enzyme begins to change, then the active site may
become denatured. This can be caused by a number of different factors, such as:
high temperatures and or high levels of pH that are being exposed to the cell. An
extreme temperature that is over 60°C will permanently cause a change to the shape
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, YOC005 Ryan Mulcahy
of the active site.
Catalysts.
A catalyst is a chemical that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself
being changed due to the reaction taking place.
The main objective of the protein is to perform as an enzyme. The catalysts are there
to maximise the speed of all chemical reactions are ongoing within our cells.
Ribonucleic acid enzymes are able to catalyse certain reactions; however, most are
commonly done through proteins. “The ribosomes can join amino acids together to
form protein chains”. https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-are-
Ribozymes.aspx Available at [news medical net]. (Accessed 09/11/2017).
Types of enzymes in a metabolic process and functions of enzymes.
The role of the enzymes in a metabolic process is to ensure that there is a
breakdown of large nutrient molecules. This includes; proteins, fats and
carbohydrates. This process occurs when the digestion process begins in the
stomach and intestines. Each enzyme is able to process only one type of chemical
reaction.
There are a wide range of factors that can have an impact on the rate of reactions
that are occuring. This can come under; temperature, pH levels, enzyme
concentration and substrate concentration.
As the temperature increases, so does the rate of reaction. However, high
temperatures begin to denature enzymes. The enzyme activity gradually increases
with temperature up to around 37ºC. However, temperatures over 60°C will cause
permanent damage.
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