Biology, Enzymes and Catalysts

Enzymes work by lowering the energy needed for reaction. This affects the rate at which chemical reactions in our bodies occur.

A catalyst is something that sparks an event that is going to occur.

Enzymes can help our body break down larger molecules

Enzymes can help our bodie create new molecules

Enzymes are very specific in their job. There is not a one size fits all approach to enzymes.

If the active site of the enzyme is not the right shape for the molecule, it simply cannot work with that molecule.

This is similar to how your house key cannot be used to open the school. Theres a lock for every key.

Temperature and pH (whether something is acidic or basic) can affect the way an enzyme works. Optimal ranges of both temp and pH can speed up reactions, while going over and under ranges can slow down or stop reactions.

Without the right conditions for a particular enzyme, the enzyme can denature causing it to change shape and no longer work.