Goal 2 - Enzyme Notes
Enzymes Work Like Locks and Keys
Enzymes work in a similar way to the locks and keys of your house or car .
Enzymes complete very specific jobs and do nothing else. They are very specific locks and the compounds they work with are the special keys.
In the same way there are door keys, car keys, and bike-lock keys, there are enzymes for neural cells, intestinal cells, and your saliva
Four steps in the process of an enzyme working.
Step 1. An enzyme and a substrate are in the same area. The substrate is the biological molecule that the enzyme will attack.
Step 2. The enzyme grabs onto the substrate with a special area called the active site. The active site is a specially shaped area of the enzyme that fits around the substrate. The active site is the keyhole of the lock.
Step 3. A process called catalysis happens. Catalysis is when the substrate is changed. It could be broken down or combined with another molecule to make something new.
Step 4. The enzyme lets go. When the enzyme lets go, it returns to normal, ready to do another reaction. The substrate is no longer the same. The substrate is now called the product.
Enzymes complete very specific jobs and do nothing else. They are very specific locks and the compounds they work with are the special keys.
In the same way there are door keys, car keys, and bike-lock keys, there are enzymes for neural cells, intestinal cells, and your saliva
Four steps in the process of an enzyme working.
Step 1. An enzyme and a substrate are in the same area. The substrate is the biological molecule that the enzyme will attack.
Step 2. The enzyme grabs onto the substrate with a special area called the active site. The active site is a specially shaped area of the enzyme that fits around the substrate. The active site is the keyhole of the lock.
Step 3. A process called catalysis happens. Catalysis is when the substrate is changed. It could be broken down or combined with another molecule to make something new.
Step 4. The enzyme lets go. When the enzyme lets go, it returns to normal, ready to do another reaction. The substrate is no longer the same. The substrate is now called the product.
Enzyme Working - CAN YOU STOP THEM?
There are many factors that can regulate enzyme activity, including temperature, activators, pH levels, and inhibitors.
Controlling Enzymes
Enzymes sometimes need to be controlled. Other times they are controlled because of poisons and contaminants.
Temperature
Proteins change shape as temperatures change. Because so much of an enzyme's activity is based on its shape, temperature changes can mess up the process and the enzyme won't work.
Activators
Sometimes you need an enzyme to work faster and your body creates an activator. Other times you might eat something that acts as an activator. Activators make enzymes work harder and faster.
pH Levels
In the same way temperature changes the shape of proteins, the acidity of the environment does the same thing. pH is a measure of acidity. An increased acidity near an enzyme can cause its shape to change. The enzyme could unravel and become totally ineffective.
Inhibitors
These are the opposite of activators. Inhibitors either slow down or stop the activity of an enzyme. They often bond to the protein, changing the overall shape of the enzyme. Remember, when the shape changes, the enzyme will not work the same way.
Controlling Enzymes
Enzymes sometimes need to be controlled. Other times they are controlled because of poisons and contaminants.
Temperature
Proteins change shape as temperatures change. Because so much of an enzyme's activity is based on its shape, temperature changes can mess up the process and the enzyme won't work.
Activators
Sometimes you need an enzyme to work faster and your body creates an activator. Other times you might eat something that acts as an activator. Activators make enzymes work harder and faster.
pH Levels
In the same way temperature changes the shape of proteins, the acidity of the environment does the same thing. pH is a measure of acidity. An increased acidity near an enzyme can cause its shape to change. The enzyme could unravel and become totally ineffective.
Inhibitors
These are the opposite of activators. Inhibitors either slow down or stop the activity of an enzyme. They often bond to the protein, changing the overall shape of the enzyme. Remember, when the shape changes, the enzyme will not work the same way.