Explain the mechanism of enzyme catalysis 2 chemistry
Answers
Enzyme catalysis is the increase in the rate of a process by a biological molecule, an "enzyme". Most enzymes are proteins, and most such processes are chemical reactions. The reduction of activation energy (Ea) increases the fraction of reactant molecules that can overcome this barrier and form the product.
Answer:
Protein molecules of high molecular masses are termed as enzymes. Colloidal solutions are formed when these are dissolved in water. These are complex, nitrogenous organic compounds produced by living plants and animals. Enzymes are also called ‘biochemical catalysts’.
Mechanism of enzyme catalysis:
Various cavities are present with characteristic shapes, on the surface of the enzymes. Such cavities possess active groups such as –NH2, −COOH, etc. Complementary shape of the reactant molecules fit into the cavities just like a key fits into a lock. Activated complexes are formed due to this. This complex then decomposes to give the product.
Hence,
Step 1: E + S → ES+
(Activated complex)
Step 2: ES+ → E + P