Biology Project
By:Ahmed Alturiqi
Enzymes
• Enzymes To begin with, let's delve into what enzymes are.
Essentially, enzymes represent a specific type of proteins. They act
as catalysts in a myriad of biochemical reactions. Intriguingly, every
single function in our body, from blinking to digesting food, involves
the essential role of enzymes. Composition of Enzymes What are
enzymes made of? Primarily, they are proteins made up of amino
acids. These amino acids link together in a sequence, giving the
enzyme its unique structure. This structure determines the enzyme's
specific function. Undeniably, enzymes are complex. They are built
from chains of amino acids, folded into a three-dimensional shape.
This shape is critical. It includes an area known as the active site,
where the magic happens.
Types Of Enzymes
• Digestive Enzymes: These enzymes break down food into smaller
molecules that your body can absorb. Amylase and protease are examples
of digestive enzymes.
• Metabolic Enzymes: These enzymes speed up chemical reactions in the
body's cells. They play a vital role in the growth, reproduction, and survival
of cells.
• Food Enzymes: These enzymes are found naturally in raw foods. They aid
in the digestion and absorption of food.
• Each type of enzyme has a specific role. However, all work together to
maintain your body's overall health.
How Enzymes Works
• let's ponder how enzymes work. Enzymes operate on a lockand-key principle. The molecule that an enzyme acts upon,
termed the "substrate", fits into the enzyme's active site. When
the substrate enters the enzyme's active site, a reaction takes
place. This reaction changes the substrate into a new molecule,
known as the product. The enzyme then releases the product
and is ready to start the process again with a new substrate.
Despite their complexity, enzymes are remarkably efficient.
They can catalyze thousands of reactions per second, making
them indispensable to life.
More About Enzymes
• Enzymes in Action To further illustrate, let's consider an
example. The enzyme amylase, found in saliva, breaks down
starch into sugar. Here's how it works:
• The starch molecule fits into the active site of the amylase
enzyme.
• The enzyme breaks the starch down into sugar molecules.
Thank you
• By:Ahmed Fahad Alturiqi
• Teacher: Ashraf