explain two attributes of enzymes in catalyzing chemical reactions and in metabolic pathways.
Two important attributes of enzymes in catalyzing chemical reactions and in metabolic pathways are specificity and efficiency.
1. Specificity: Enzymes are highly specific in nature, meaning that each enzyme catalyzes a particular chemical reaction or a specific step in a metabolic pathway. This specificity is a result of the unique three-dimensional shape of the enzyme's active site, which is perfectly complementary to the shape and charge distribution of the substrate (the molecule that the enzyme acts upon). This lock-and-key relationship ensures that only the specific substrate(s) fit into the active site of the enzyme, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This specificity allows enzymes to prevent unwanted side reactions and to selectively regulate metabolic pathways, ensuring that the correct reactions occur at the right time and place within cells.
2. Efficiency: Enzymes are highly efficient catalysts that significantly speed up chemical reactions. They achieve this by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Activation energy is the energy needed for the reactant molecules to reach the transition state, where the reaction occurs. Enzymes achieve this by bringing the substrate molecules together in a precise and favorable orientation within the active site, creating an environment that promotes the reaction. Consequently, enzymes allow reactions to occur at a much faster rate compared to the same reaction without an enzyme. This increased speed allows metabolic pathways to proceed at the necessary pace to sustain cellular functions, without requiring excessive temperature or pressure conditions. Overall, the high efficiency of enzymes makes them vital components in the regulation of metabolic processes and the overall functioning of living organisms.