Definition:

 Enzymes are biological molecules, typically proteins, that act as catalysts in living organisms.

 Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the
process.

Function:

 Enzymes facilitate and accelerate biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy
required for the reaction to occur.

 They do not change the nature of the reaction or the final products; they merely make the
reaction occur more rapidly.

Specificity:

 Enzymes are highly specific, meaning each enzyme catalyzes a particular reaction or group of
closely related reactions.

 The specificity is due to the unique three-dimensional shape of the enzyme's active site, which
complements the shape of its substrate (the molecule it acts upon).

Enzyme-Substrate Complex:

 Enzymes bind with their substrate(s) at their active site to form an enzyme-substrate complex.

 The active site is a region of the enzyme that precisely fits the substrate's shape.

Lock and Key Model:

 The lock and key model describes the specificity of enzyme-substrate interactions. It suggests
that the active site of an enzyme is like a lock, and the substrate is like the key that fits into the
lock.

Induced Fit Model:

 The induced fit model proposes that the active site of the enzyme is not rigid but can change its
shape slightly to accommodate the substrate. This model provides a more dynamic view of
enzyme-substrate interactions.

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity:

1. Temperature: Enzymes have an optimal temperature at which they function most efficiently.
High temperatures can denature enzymes, disrupting their structure.

2. pH: Enzymes have an optimal pH range. Deviations from this range can affect their activity.

3. Substrate Concentration: As substrate concentration increases, enzyme activity also increases

4. Enzyme Concentration: More enzyme molecules typically lead to faster reaction rates.
 5. Cofactors and Coenzymes: These are non-protein molecules that may be required for enzyme
function.

6. Inhibitors: Inhibitors can bind to enzymes and reduce their activity. Competitive inhibitors
compete with the substrate for the active site, while non-competitive inhibitors bind to other
parts of the enzyme.

Enzyme Naming:

 Enzymes are typically named based on the substrate they act upon and end with the suffix "-
ase." For example, "lipase" acts on lipids, "amylase" acts on starch, and "protease" acts on
proteins.

Examples of Enzymes:

1. Amylase: Breaks down starch into simpler sugars (e.g., in saliva).

2. Catalase: Breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen (found in cells).

3. DNA polymerase: Facilitates DNA replication.

4. RNA polymerase: Initiates transcription of RNA from DNA.

5. Lactase: Breaks down lactose (found in the digestive system).

6. Pepsin: Breaks down proteins in the stomach.

Biotechnological Applications:

 Enzymes are widely used in various industrial processes, such as food production, detergents,
pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production.

Medical Applications:

 Enzyme assays and diagnostics are used in medicine to detect diseases and monitor various
health conditions.

Understanding the role and properties of enzymes is fundamental in biology, biochemistry, and
biotechnology, as they play a crucial role in virtually all biological processes.