Lecture Notes: Enzymes and Their Functions

Introduction

• Favorite Protein: Discussed how a favorite protein can remind one of childhood games, like Pac-Man.
• Pac-Man Analogy: Used to explain how enzymes operate similar to Pac-Man eating pebbles.

Enzyme Structure and Function

• Enzymes: Most are proteins.
• Active Site: Specific area where substrates bind.
  • Substrate: The item that binds to the enzyme's active site.
  • Induced Fit Model: Active site changes shape to bind substrate, like an enzyme-substrate hug.

Enzyme Reactions

• Reactions: Enzymes can build up or break down substrates into products.
• Catalysts: Enzymes speed up reactions that could happen on their own, making processes efficient for life.

Example: Lactase

• Lactase: An enzyme that breaks down lactose, a disaccharide sugar.
  • Lactose: Hard to digest in its original form.
  • Lactose Intolerance: Caused by insufficient lactase production.
  • Reusability: Lactase, like other enzymes, is not consumed in the reaction.

Enzymes in Digestion

• Digestive Enzymes:
  • Lipase: Breaks down fats (lipids).
  • Amylase: Breaks down starch.
  • Protease: Breaks down proteins.

Enzyme Helpers

• Cofactors and Coenzymes: Help enzymes break down/build up substrates.

Enzyme Conditions

• Ideal Conditions:
  • Enzymes have specific pH and temperature ranges.
  • Denaturation: Changes outside ideal conditions can distort enzyme shape, preventing substrate binding.
• Pac-Man Analogy: Compared denaturation to Pac-Man being distorted by ghosts.

Importance of Enzymes

• Medical Research: Many researchers focus on enzymes due to their role in body processes and disease regulation.

Conclusion

• Closing remarks from the Amoeba Sisters encouraging curiosity.