Biology/Enzyme Catalysis
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Question
How does the structure of an enzyme relate to its function and what factors can affect the initial rates of enzyme catalyzed reactions?
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Thanks for using AllExperts. Enzymes function as biological catalysts, meaning that they increase the rate of biological reactions without being consumed in the reaction themselves. Like all catalysts, they are entirely dependent upon structure--their structure allows reactants (known as substrates) to be brought together in close proximity and in a high-energy state that facilitates the completion of the reaction. The site where this occurs is known as the active site of the enzyme, and its shape is by far the most essential part of the enzyme molecule; other parts of the enzyme can affect activity at the active site as well (these are known as allosteric sites). Binding of agents to the allosteric sites alters the shape of the active site, changing its activity. Taken as a whole, you can clearly see that shape is the by far the most important aspect of enzyme activity.
A general overview of this concept can be found here:
http://www.tutorvista.com/content/chemistry/chemistry-iv/surface-chemistry/enzym...
Factors that affect the initial rate of enzyme reactions include any of those that affect the shape or folding of proteins generally: temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.
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John Locke
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I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
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I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
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