What is an Enzyme?
An enzyme is a protein that catalyzes (accelerates) chemical reactions in living organisms. Enzymes play a vital role in many biological processes, including metabolism, DNA replication and repair, and the synthesis of hormones and other molecules.
Enzymes are highly specific, meaning that they only catalyze specific reactions. Each enzyme has a unique three-dimensional shape that allows it to bind to a specific substrate (the reactant that the enzyme acts on) and catalyze a specific chemical reaction. Enzymes are usually named by adding the suffix “-ase” to the name of the substrate they act upon. For example, the enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of sugars is called sucrase.
Enzymes are necessary for life because they help to regulate the rate of chemical reactions in the body. They are found in all living cells and serve an important part in maintaining the chemical reactions required for life. Abnormalities in enzyme function can result in a variety of health issues. Some medications and therapies work in the body by blocking or activating certain enzymes.
One of the most significant functions of enzymes is to help in digestion. Digestion is the process by which we convert the food we ingest into energy. Enzymes, for example, are found in our saliva, pancreas, intestines, and stomach. They digest lipids, proteins, and carbs. These nutrients are used by enzymes for cell development and repair.
Enzymes also aid in the following:
- Breathing.
- Muscle development.
- Nerve activity.
- Toxin removal from our body.
Some of the common digestive enzymes are:
- Carbohydrase is an enzyme that turns carbohydrates into sugars.
- Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down lipids to form fatty acids.
- Protease degrades protein into amino acids.