Enzymes

- Important part of chemical reactions as it speeds up the reaction without changing its
concentration.
- It uses two theories: Lock and key model, and induced fit model
a. Lock and key model – this model requires the substrate and the enzymes to exactly meet in
the active site similar to how a key perfectly fits its compatible lock.
b. Induced fit model – Unlike the previous model, this model do not fit the shape of the lock.
Instead it is like a lock that adjusts its slot to match the key.
- There are factors to be considered when analyzing the reaction rate of a chemical reaction that
involves enzymes
a. Enzyme concentration – There is only a certain point where an enzyme concentration
affects the reaction rate. It portrays a linear relationship to the rate.
b. Substrate concentration - Just like the enzyme concentration, there is only a limit of
concentration where it may affect the overall reaction.
c. pH – It lowers the activation energy without actually modifying anything from the real
reagents.
d. Temperature – It is similar to the Le Chatelier’s Principle where the equilibrium shifts to the
side with the lesser value.