Question

Are enzymes biological catalysts?

Answer 1

Enzymes:

1. Enzymes are mostly proteins that catalyze various biochemical reactions. They are also known as ‘biological catalysts’.
2. The catalytic reaction occurs through a specific region of the enzyme called the ‘active site’.
3. The substrate (S) binds to the active site of the enzyme (E) and forms an enzyme-substrate (ES) complex.
4. This transient complex is then converted into an enzyme-product (EP) complex. The EP complex dissociates releasing the product (P) and free enzyme (E).
5. Enzyme catalysts require optimum pH, temperature and presence of co-factors to enhance the rate of reaction.
6. The formation of maltose from starch due to the presence of diastase is an example of action of enzyme catalyst.