Science
Enzyme structure.
Definition
Enzymes are biological catalysts made of proteins that speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy. They have a specific 3D shape with an active site where substrates bind, following a lock-and-key or induced-fit model. Enzyme function depends on proper folding and can be affected by temperature, pH, and inhibitors.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Amylase in saliva breaking down starch into sugars
- 2 Lactase enzyme breaking down lactose in dairy products
- 3 DNA polymerase helping copy DNA during replication
Key Fact
Enzymes lower activation energy without being consumed in the reaction