Enzyme Structure and Function
Enzymes are protein macromolecules that speed up biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy. Their specific tertiary structure creates an active site where the substrate binds. This structure must be maintained for the enzyme to function properly.
Each enzyme is highly specific, facilitating only one type of reaction. Enzymes can catalyze both synthesis and digestion reactions, and they're reusable—not consumed during the reaction. The substrate must be compatible with the enzyme's active site for a reaction to occur.
Environmental factors greatly impact enzyme function. Changes in temperature or pH can cause denaturation—the loss of an enzyme's 3D structure. While increasing temperature initially speeds up reaction rates, continued increases eventually cause denaturation. Reaction rates are also affected by substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and inhibitors that can bind either at the active site (competitive) or elsewhere (noncompetitive).
Quick Tip: Think of enzymes as specialized keys that fit only one lock (substrate). If the key gets bent (denatured), it no longer works!
Cellular Energy and Photosynthesis
All living systems require constant energy input, ultimately from the sun. Life maintains order through energy coupling—linking exergonic energy−releasing and endergonic energy−requiring reactions in sequential pathways for efficient energy transfer.
Photosynthesis transforms sunlight energy into sugar. Light-dependent reactions occur when chlorophylls absorb light energy, exciting electrons that establish a proton gradient. This process splits water (producing oxygen), forms ATP through ATP synthase, and reduces NADP+ to NADPH.
The Calvin cycle uses the ATP and NADPH from light-dependent reactions along with CO₂ to create organic products. A key enzyme called RuBisCO fixes carbon dioxide during this process, creating the sugars that fuel nearly all life on Earth.