Enzymes Inside Cells: What is Their Role?

Thread starter ruby_duby
Start date Sep 4, 2004
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Cells Enzymes

In summary, enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in chemical reactions and play a crucial role inside cells by speeding up the rate of these reactions. They function by binding to specific molecules and converting them into products, and can be regulated by factors such as temperature, pH, and concentration. Deficiencies or malfunctions in enzymes can lead to various health issues, but can be addressed through methods such as enzyme replacement therapy and gene therapy.

Sep 4, 2004

ruby_duby

can somebody help me with the following question?
What is the role of enzymes inside cells?
please help it would be much appreciated

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Sep 4, 2004

Evil

alter the rate of reaction...

Sep 4, 2004

Monique

Staff Emeritus

Science Advisor

Gold Member

They catalyze reactions, but remain unchanged themselves.

Related to Enzymes Inside Cells: What is Their Role?

1. What are enzymes and what is their role inside cells?

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in chemical reactions. They play a crucial role inside cells by speeding up the rate of chemical reactions, allowing them to occur at a faster rate than they would without the enzyme. This helps to maintain the necessary biological processes for the cell to function properly.

2. How do enzymes function inside cells?

Enzymes function by binding to specific molecules, known as substrates, and converting them into products. Enzymes have a specific shape that allows them to bind to their substrates, and this binding causes a chemical reaction to occur. The enzyme is not consumed in the reaction and can be reused, making it an efficient catalyst.

3. What factors can affect enzyme activity inside cells?

Enzyme activity can be affected by various factors, including temperature, pH, and the concentration of enzymes and substrates. Enzymes have an optimal temperature and pH at which they function best, and any deviation from these conditions can decrease their activity. Changes in enzyme or substrate concentration can also impact the rate of the reaction.

4. Can enzymes be regulated inside cells?

Yes, enzymes can be regulated inside cells. This allows the cell to control the rate of specific reactions and conserve energy. Enzyme regulation can occur through various mechanisms, including feedback inhibition, where the end product of a reaction inhibits the activity of the enzyme involved in its production.

5. What happens if there is a deficiency or malfunction of enzymes inside cells?

A deficiency or malfunction of enzymes inside cells can result in various health issues, as enzymes are essential for many biological processes. For example, a deficiency in the enzyme lactase can lead to lactose intolerance. Malfunctions in enzymes involved in DNA repair can also lead to genetic disorders. Enzyme replacement therapy and gene therapy are some approaches that can be used to address deficiencies or malfunctions in enzymes.