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Question

Describe the important properties of enzymes.

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Solution

Properties of enzymes

  • Enzymes are complex macromolecules with high molecular weight.
  • They catalyze biochemical reactions in a cell. They help in the breakdown of large molecules into smaller molecules or bring together two smaller molecules to form a larger molecule.
  • Enzymes do not start a reaction. However, they help in accelerating it.
  • Enzymes affect the rate of biochemical reaction and not the direction. Most of the enzymes have a high turnover number. Turnover number of an enzyme is the number of molecules of a substance that is acted upon by an enzyme per minute. High turnover number of enzymes increases the efficiency of the reaction.
  • Enzymes are specific in action.
  • Enzymatic activity decreases with increase in temperature.
  • They show maximum activity at an optimum pH of 6 – 8.
  • The velocity of enzyme increases with an increase in substrate concentration and then, ultimately reaches maximum velocity.

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