ENZYMES

Learning target: discover what enzymes are, explore how they work, and learn why they're needed for your cells' day-
to-day functions.

WHAT ARE ENZYMES?

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts within living cells. Catalysts increase the rate at which chemical reactions
occur without being consumed or permanently altered themselves. A chemical reaction is a process that converts one
or more substances (known as reagents, reactants, or substrates) to another type of substance (the product). As a
catalyst, an enzyme can facilitate the same chemical reaction over and over again.

Structure and Function

Like all proteins, enzymes are composed of one or more long chains of interconnected amino acids. Each enzyme
possesses a unique sequence of amino acids that causes it to fold into a characteristic shape. An enzyme's amino acid
sequence is determined by a specific gene in the cell's nucleus. This ensures that each copy of the enzyme is the same as
all others.

On the surface of each enzyme is a special cleft called the active site, which provides a place where reagents can 'meet'
and interact. Much like a lock and its key, an enzyme's active site will only accommodate certain reagents, and only one
type of chemical reaction can be catalyzed by a given enzyme.
There are three main types of digestive enzymes. They’re categorized based on the reactions they help catalyze:

 Amylase breaks down starches and carbohydrates into sugars.

 Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids.
 Lipase breaks down lipids, which are fats and oils, into glycerol and fatty acids.
 Amylase is produced in the salivary glands, pancreas and small intestine. One type of amylase, called
ptyalin, is made in the salivary glands and starts to act on starches while food is still in your mouth. It
remains active even after you swallow.
 Pancreatic amylase is made in the pancreas and delivered to the small intestine. Here it continues to
break down starch molecules. Other amylase enzymes finish the job of converting starch into glucose.
This is then absorbed into the body through the wall of the small intestine.
 Protease is produced in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. Most of the chemical reactions occur
in the stomach and small intestine. In the stomach, pepsin is the main digestive enzyme attacking
proteins. Several other pancreatic enzymes go to work when protein molecules reach the small intestine.
 Lipase is produced in the pancreas and small intestine. Lipase is also found in breast milk to help a baby
more easily digest fat molecules when nursing. Lipids play many roles, including long-term energy
storage and supporting cellular health.
What affects enzymes?
Enzymes work best at your normal body temperature. The average body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), but
normal body temperatures can range from 97 to 99°F (36.1 to 37.2°C).

If you run a fever and your temperature increases too much, the structure of enzymes breaks down. They no
longer function properly. Restoring your body temperature to its optimal range will help restore enzyme health.
Certain health conditions, such as pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can also reduce the number and
effectiveness of certain digestive enzymes.

The pH level of your stomach or intestines can also affect enzyme activity. A low pH means something is very
acidic. A high pH means it’s basic or alkaline. Enzymes work best in a fairly narrow pH range. If the
environment surrounding an enzyme becomes too acidic or too basic, the enzyme’s shape and function will
suffer.
Enzymes Experiment:

PINEAPPLE ENZYMES

OBJECTIVES: Observe how enzymes functions in breaking down certain large molecules.

Materials:

Petri dish/beaker
Forceps
Tripod/alcohol lamp
Glass rod
Water
Gelatin
Pineapple

Procedures:
1. Prepare a gelatin mixture in 2 beakers and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
2. Boil two slice of pineapple 80 – 100 ⁰C.
3. In your beaker with gelatin label A and B.
4. In beaker A put the 2 slice of pineapple wait for 10 minutes, observe and compare it with beaker B.
5. In beaker B put 2 slice boiled pineapple wait for 10 minutes , observe and compare it with beaker A

Observations:
1. What happens to Beaker A and B in procedure number 4? Compare and explain your observations
Beaker A Beaker B

2. What happens to Beaker A and B in procedure number 5? Compare and explain your observations

Beaker A Beaker B