XSIQ
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Chemistry - Enzymes continued

Enzymes continued

The active site has specific atoms or groups of atoms. The enzyme,
succinate dehydrogenase, for example, catalyses part of the reaction in
which carbohydrates are oxidised releasing energy. This enzyme has the
vitamin riboflavin at its active site.

Some other enzymes contain the mineral ions

at their active sites. This emphasises the importance of minerals in the
diet.

Different enzymes work at different pH levels during digestion. The
enzymes that assist in the hydrolysis [1] of proteins and complex
carbohydrates, work in the acidic environment of the stomach. The enzyme
that hydrolyses fats [2] works in the alkaline environment of the small
intestine.

As enzymes the activation energy [3] for biochemical reactions.

Being proteins, enzymes becomeThey show optimum activity at around body
temperature. Because denaturation changes the secondary and tertiary
structures, the active site is changed during denaturation and enzyme
activity is severely decreased.

A reactant molecule - known as the substrate - is adsorbed onto the active
site, reaction occurs and the product molecule is desorbed, as indicated
below.

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