CBSENEETClass 11
What is an enzyme?
Answer
An enzyme is a biological catalyst, usually a protein, that speeds up biochemical reactions in living organisms without being used up.
The working
Definition
Enzymes are protein molecules that increase the rate of chemical reactions in cells by lowering the activation energy.
Specificity
Each enzyme acts on a specific substrate, like a lock and key, so it catalyses only a particular reaction.
Conditions
Enzymes work best at an optimum temperature and pH, and are denatured by high heat.
Examples
Amylase digests starch, pepsin digests proteins and lipase digests fats.
Searched about 6,100 times a month in IndiaSolve a similar doubt →
Stuck on something else?
Type your own doubt into the solver and get the full working in seconds — free, for physics, chemistry, maths and biology.
Open the solverRelated doubts