15. Describe the important properties of enzymes.
15. Describe the important properties of enzymes.

Solution:

Almost all the enzymes are proteins. Important properties of enzymes are as follows:

  • They have a higher molecular weight and are complex macromolecules
  • They aid in the breakdown of larger molecules into simpler ones or the joining of two smaller molecules to generate a larger one by catalysing metabolic reactions in the cell.
  • Enzymes do not initiate but accelerate a reaction
  • They have an effect on the rate of a biological reaction but have no effect on the reaction’s direction.
  • They are action-specific
  • An increase in the efficiency of a process is caused by a higher turnover of enzymes. The majority of enzymes have a high turnover rate.
  • Temperature has an impact on enzymes. Enzymatic activity reduces as the temperature rises. At 30-40 degrees Celsius, maximum activity is recorded.
  • Maximum activity is observed at 6-8 pH level
  • As the substrate concentration rises, the enzymatic velocity rises as well, eventually reaching maximum velocity.