What is a enzyme? A enzyme is a protein molecule that helps speed up chemical reactions in the body. Without enzymes many important processes of life cannot be carried out. Each enzyme has an specific function, for each enzyme there is only one reaction that they can help.
How do enzymes work? The molecule that works with the enzyme is called substrates. The molecule, "when has the right chemical for a specific enzyme" will fit exactly into the enzyme. This substrate binding to a region on the enzyme is called the active site. There are two theories explaining this interaction:
1) The lock-and-key model, which the enzyme has the precisely shaped to hold specific substrates.
2) The active site and substrate don't fit perfectly together, but the molecule and the enzyme instead alter their shape to connect.
After the reaction has taken place, the products created by the reaction leave the active site.
How do enzymes work? The molecule that works with the enzyme is called substrates. The molecule, "when has the right chemical for a specific enzyme" will fit exactly into the enzyme. This substrate binding to a region on the enzyme is called the active site. There are two theories explaining this interaction:
1) The lock-and-key model, which the enzyme has the precisely shaped to hold specific substrates.
2) The active site and substrate don't fit perfectly together, but the molecule and the enzyme instead alter their shape to connect.
After the reaction has taken place, the products created by the reaction leave the active site.