Enzymatic Protein

1. Formation
- Enzymes are composed of amino acids. During the process of enzyme formation,
100-1000 amino acids string together in a very specific and unique order. The outcome
of the amino acid strings form into chains and eventually fold into a corresponding
unique shape that appropriate for its specific function in the body (metabolism, digestion
and secretion).
- Large protein enzyme molecules is made up of one or more amino acid chains called
polypeptide chains.
- The amino acid sequence determines the folding pattern characteristic of the enzyme’s
structure, which is a vital factor to be considered in enzyme functional specificity.
2. Role/Function/Use
BIOLOGICAL CATALYSTS
- Increase the rate of chemical reactions within the cells
- They function by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to begin.
- In an enzyme, there is a part that is called “active sites” which are cracks or hollows
located on the surface of the enzyme. This is where the catalytic action occurs.
- The molecule that reacts with the enzyme is called the substrate.

Graph 1.1 Enzyme Catalysis Reaction

2 Proposed Theories/Postulates on Catalysis Process Occurrence

- Lock and Key Model: Molecules of just the exact shape and right arrangement of
attractive groups can basically fit into the enzymes’ active sites.

Diagram 1.1 Lock and Key Model by Emil Fischer (1894)

 - Induced Fit Model: When an enzyme makes contact with a substrate, the enzyme forms
itself into the shape of the molecule or substrate.

Diagram 1.2 Induced Fit Model by Daniel Koshland (1958)

3. Examples
1. Amylase breaks down starches and carbohydrates into sugars.
2. Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids.
3. Lipase breaks down lipids, which are fats and oils, into glycerol and fatty acids.
4. Maltase is found in saliva; breaks the sugar maltose into glucose. Maltose is found in
foods such as potatoes, pasta, and beer.
5. Trypsin - found in the small intestine, breaks proteins down into amino acids.
6. Lactase - also found in the small intestine, breaks lactose, the sugar in milk, into glucose
and galactose.
7. Acetylcholinesterase - breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in nerves and
muscles.
8. Helicase - unravels and unpackage the DNA and remodels the nucleic acid. They
separate double-stranded DNA into single strands, allowing them to be replicated.
9. DNA polymerase - synthesize DNA from deoxyribonucleotides

4. Importance of enzymatic proteins

They are the ones that vitally increases the rate of chemical reaction to help support life. With
enzymes, every organism’s cellular activities and bodily processes can provide what the system
needs in a much more faster scheme. Enzymes are important since they perform essential
works of building our muscles, destroying toxins and breaking down food particles during
digestion. Enzymes hasten the energy acquisition of organisms in a quite less energy
expenditure, allowing them to be on the go every single day.