Question

Describe the important properties of enzymes. 

Answer 1

Properties of enzymes

• An enzyme like any protein has primary structure (amino acid sequence). Secondary structure and tertiary structure
• Every enzyme has an ’active site’ which is a crevice into which the substrate fits.
• Enzymes are specific in their action. Particular enzyme acts on a particular substrate. But different enzymes catalyse a unique chemical or metabolic reaction.
• Enzymes generally function in a narrow range of temperature and pH. Activity declines both below and above optimum temperature and pH.
• The higher the affinity of the enzyme for its substrate the greater is its catalytic activity.
• The activity of an enzyme is also sensitive to the presence of specific chemicals that bind to the enzyme.
• For eg: Inhibitors that shuts off enzyme activity and Co-factors that facilitates catalytic activity.
• Enzymes retain their identity at the end of the reaction