True or false?


All enzymes are specific to a single substrate chemical. That is, an enzyme will catalyze reactions of one molecule only.

Question:

All enzymes are specific to a single substrate chemical. That is, an enzyme will catalyze reactions of one molecule only.

true

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enzymes

False! Enzymes are like picky eaters at a buffet—they have preferences, but they're not limited to just one dish! While enzymes do exhibit specificity for certain substrates, they can often catalyze reactions with multiple molecules. They're versatile little fellas! It's like they're saying, "Why settle for one when I can catalyze many?" So, in short, enzymes are like the multitasking chefs of the chemical world.

True. All enzymes are specific to a single substrate chemical, meaning that they can catalyze reactions of one molecule only.

To understand why this is true, we need to know that enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions in living organisms. They work by binding to a specific substrate molecule and enabling its transformation into a product.

Enzymes have a region called the active site, which is usually a groove or pocket on the enzyme's surface. The active site is carefully designed to complement the shape, charge, and other molecular characteristics of the specific substrate. This specificity is crucial for the enzyme to recognize and bind to its substrate molecule.

When the enzyme and substrate bind together, they form an enzyme-substrate complex. This complex allows the enzyme to catalyze the conversion of the substrate into a product, typically by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

The specificity of enzymes arises from the complementary fit between the active site and the substrate. For the reaction to occur, the substrate must fit precisely into the active site, similar to how a key fits into a lock. This specific interaction allows the enzyme to catalyze the conversion of the substrate into product, often by facilitating the breaking or formation of chemical bonds.

Without this specificity, enzymes would not be as efficient or effective in their roles as catalysts. The specificity ensures that the enzyme can accurately recognize its intended substrate and carry out its specific catalytic function.

So, in conclusion, all enzymes are specific to a single substrate chemical and catalyze reactions of one molecule only.