ENZYMES MAKE THE WORLD GO 'ROUND

On Chem4Kids, we often talk about reactions and the molecules that change in those reactions. Those changes don't happen on their own. If you leave a blob of protein in a Petri dish, will it just break down to the amino acids? No. What will do it? Enzymes! Enzymes are the biological substance (proteins) that act as catalysts and help complex reactions occur everywhere in life.

LOCKS AND KEYS

When you go home at night and the door is locked, can it open itself? Nope. You need a key that is just the right shape to fit in that lock. Otherwise, you're stuck in the cold. Enzymes work in a similar way (locks and keys). Enzymes complete very specific jobs and do nothing else. They are very specific locks and the compounds they work with are the special keys. In the same way there are door keys, car keys, and bike-lock keys, there are enzymes for neural cells, intestinal cells, and your saliva.

Substrate combines with active site

Here's the deal: there are four steps in the process of an enzyme working.
1. An enzyme and a substrate are in the same area. The substrate is the biological molecule that the enzyme will attack.
2. The enzyme grabs onto the substrate with a special area called the active site The active site is a specially shaped area of the enzyme that fits around the substrate. The active site is the keyhole of the lock.
3. A process called catalysis happens. Catalysis is when the substrate is changed. It could be broken down or combined with another molecule to make something new.
4. The enzyme lets go. Big idea. When the enzyme lets go, it returns to normal, ready to do another reaction. The substrate is no longer the same. The substrate is now called the product.

CAN YOU STOP THEM?

Good question! We know what you're thinking. What if enzymes just kept going and converted every molecule in the world? They would never stop... like a monster! There are many factors that can regulate enzyme activity, including temperature, activators, pH levels, and inhibitors.

RELATED LINKS

- Biology4Kids: Scientific Method
- Biology4Kids: Cell Structure
- Geography4Kids: Carbon Cycle
- Geography4Kids: Biosphere

-	Overview
-	Metabolism
-	Cycles
-	Carbohydrates
-	Lipids
-	Nucleic Acids
-	DNA
-	Amino Acid Structure
-	20 Amino Acids
-	Proteins
>	Enzymes
-	Enz. Regulation
	MORE CHEMISTRY TOPICS

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