Study the effects of temperature, pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and enzyme specificity on the function of several types of enzymes. Be able to discuss the role of enzymes in the functioning of the human body. Be able to discuss the effects of altered enzymes on the human body. Understand and be able to relate the proteinaceous nature of enzymes to their function.
Enzymes function as organic catalysts.
A catalyst is a chemical involved in, but not changed by, a chemical reaction. Many enzymes function by lowering the activation energy of reactions. By bringing the reactants closer together, chemical bonds may be weakened and reactions will proceed faster than without the catalyst. Carbonic anhydrase speeds up the transfer of carbon dioxide from cells to the blood. There are over 2000 known enzymes, each of which is involved with one specific chemical reaction.