An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Key points:
- Nature: Most enzymes are proteins.
- Function: They lower the activation energy of a reaction, making it occur faster.
- Specificity: Each enzyme is specific to a particular reaction or type of substrate.
- Mechanism:
- Substrate binds to the active site of the enzyme.
- The enzyme helps convert the substrate into product.
- The enzyme is released unchanged to catalyze another reaction.
- Conditions: Enzymes work best under optimal temperature and pH.
In short: An enzyme is a “helper molecule” that speeds up reactions without being used up.