Enzymes and Their Functions

Introduction

• Personal anecdote about favorite protein.
• Connection to Pac-Man game.

Structure of Enzymes

• Enzymes are proteins.
• Visual representations often likened to Pac-Man.
• Active Site: Specific area where substrates bind.
  • Substrates: Items that bind to enzymes.
  • Specificity in binding due to shape.

Function of Enzymes

• Induced Fit: Active site changes shape to bind substrate effectively.
• Enzymes can:
  • Build up substrates.
  • Break down substrates into products.
• Speed of Reactions: Enzymes accelerate reactions that can occur spontaneously but at a slower rate.

Example: Lactase

• Lactase: Enzyme that breaks down lactose (disaccharide).
  • Lactose is not easily digested as a large molecule.
  • Lactase allows for quick digestion of lactose.
• Lactose Intolerance: Insufficient lactase production leads to difficulty in digesting lactose, causing discomfort.

Key Characteristics of Enzymes

• Enzymes are catalysts:
  • Not consumed in reactions; can be reused repeatedly.
• Digestive enzymes include:
  • Lipase: Breaks down lipids (fats).
  • Amylase: Breaks down starch.
  • Protease: Breaks down proteins.

Helpers of Enzymes

• Cofactors and Coenzymes:
  • Assist enzymes in substrate binding and function.

Ideal Conditions for Enzymes

• Enzymes have specific ideal conditions (pH, temperature).
• Example: Stomach enzymes require acidic pH.
• Denaturation:
  • Occurs when enzymes are outside of ideal conditions.
  • Shape distortion renders them ineffective.

Conclusion

• Importance of enzymes in body processes.
• Enzyme-related diseases.
• Encouragement to explore and stay curious about enzymes.