Explain how enzymes accomplish biological catalysis. Provide examples.
Enzymes are reusable catalysts that speed up metabolic reactions. Without enzymes, metabolic reactions would take so long that an organism would not receive the needed substances fast enough. There would be a build up of reactions waiting to occur because the amount of time and energy needed to reach the activation point wouldn't be available. Imagine having to wait hours for painkillers to kick in when you have a raging headache. Sounds fun! Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy needed for products to form. This allows molecules involved in the reaction to absorb more energy in lower temperatures, causing the reaction to again enough energy to form products more quickly. Take a look at the figure below: it shows how substrates and enzymes work to lower the activation energy. |
| Mastering Biology | Pearson; Campbell Biology |
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