1.4.9 Functions of Enzyme Action

Enzymes are essential biological catalysts that speed up reactions in cells by lowering the energy barrier required for those reactions. They play crucial roles in supporting life by ensuring that biochemical processes occur efficiently and at rates suitable for cellular needs.

Functions of Enzyme Action:

• Lowering Activation Energy:
  • Enzymes reduce the activation energy required for reactions, enabling them to proceed more quickly and at lower temperatures than would otherwise be possible. This is essential for maintaining efficient cellular function without damaging cells with high temperatures.

• Forming Enzyme-Substrate Complexes:
  • When an enzyme binds to its substrate, it forms an enzyme-substrate complex. This complex stabilises the reaction's transition state—an intermediate form between reactants and products. By doing so, the enzyme makes it easier for the reaction to occur, increasing the reaction rate.

• Regulation of Metabolic Pathways:
  • Enzymes are highly specific to their substrates, meaning each enzyme typically catalyses only one type of reaction. This specificity allows enzymes to precisely control the rate of metabolic pathways within the cell, as they only catalyse reactions when their specific substrates are present and conditions are optimal.
  • Enzyme activity is also influenced by factors like temperature, pH, and concentration, allowing cells to regulate metabolic processes efficiently.