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Easy Guide: How Enzymes Work in Biology and Fun Facts About Their Functions!

6

1

user profile picture

Greta Bolognani

8/29/2025

Biology

Enzymes

224

Aug 29, 2025

2 pages

Easy Guide: How Enzymes Work in Biology and Fun Facts About Their Functions!

user profile picture

Greta Bolognani

@gretabolognani_dmmh

Enzymes: Structure, Function, and Factors Affecting Their Activity

Enzymes are ... Show more

Page 1
Page 2
1 / 2
what is an enzyme ?
L,
proteins that act as biological catalysts.
What do they do?
↳
accelerate chemical reactions
:
ENZYMES
3 Give some exa

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity and Reaction Rates

Factors affecting enzyme activity in metabolism are crucial for understanding how these biological catalysts function in various conditions. Several key factors influence enzyme activity and reaction rates:

  1. Temperature
  2. pH
  3. Enzyme concentration
  4. Substrate concentration
  5. Presence of inhibitors

Highlight: The optimum temperature for most human enzymes is around 37°C (body temperature).

Temperature significantly affects enzyme activity. As temperature increases, the rate of reaction generally increases up to an optimum point. Beyond this point, enzymes may become denatured, losing their functional shape and effectiveness.

Vocabulary: Denaturation: The process by which proteins lose their structure due to external stress, such as extreme temperature or pH, rendering them non-functional.

pH also plays a crucial role in enzyme function. Each enzyme has an optimal pH range where it functions most effectively. Extreme pH levels can denature enzymes, altering their active site shape and reducing or eliminating their catalytic activity.

Enzyme and substrate concentrations affect reaction rates:

  • Increasing enzyme concentration generally increases the reaction rate linearly, as long as there's sufficient substrate available.
  • Increasing substrate concentration typically increases the reaction rate up to a point where all enzyme active sites are saturated.

Example: In a reaction with a fixed amount of enzyme, increasing the substrate concentration will initially increase the reaction rate. However, the rate will eventually level off when all enzyme active sites are occupied.

Inhibitors can also affect enzyme activity:

  • Competitive inhibitors: Molecules that compete with the substrate for the enzyme's active site
  • Non-competitive inhibitors: Molecules that bind to a different site on the enzyme, altering its shape and function

Highlight: Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions, thereby increasing the rate of reaction without being consumed in the process.

Understanding these factors affecting enzyme activity is crucial in various fields, including medicine, biotechnology, and food science, where controlling enzyme function is often essential for desired outcomes.

what is an enzyme ?
L,
proteins that act as biological catalysts.
What do they do?
↳
accelerate chemical reactions
:
ENZYMES
3 Give some exa

Understanding Enzymes and Their Function

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions within living organisms. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including metabolism and digestion.

Definition: Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

Enzymes have specific functions and are highly selective about the reactions they catalyze. This specificity is due to their unique structure, particularly the active site.

Example: Some common enzymes include amylase in saliva, which breaks down starch into sugars, and maltase in the small intestine, which breaks down maltose into glucose.

The enzyme-substrate interaction is often explained using the lock-and-key theory or the induced fit model. In this model, the enzyme is the "lock" with a specific shaped active site, and the substrate is the "key" that fits into it.

Highlight: The enzyme-substrate complex forms when the substrate binds to the enzyme's active site. After the reaction, the enzyme remains unchanged and ready for another reaction cycle.

Enzyme structure and function in biological reactions are closely related to collision theory in chemistry. This theory states that for a chemical reaction to occur, particles must collide with sufficient energy and in the correct orientation.

Vocabulary: Collision theory: A principle stating that for a chemical reaction to occur, particles must collide with sufficient energy and in the correct orientation.

Enzymes can be classified based on their location and function:

  1. Intracellular enzymes: Found inside cells (e.g., in the cytoplasm or mitochondria)
  2. Extracellular enzymes: Found outside cells (e.g., digestive enzymes)

Highlight: Enzymes can be involved in anabolic reactions (building molecules) or catabolic reactions (breaking down molecules).



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

224

Aug 29, 2025

2 pages

Easy Guide: How Enzymes Work in Biology and Fun Facts About Their Functions!

user profile picture

Greta Bolognani

@gretabolognani_dmmh

Enzymes: Structure, Function, and Factors Affecting Their Activity

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions in living organisms. They play a crucial role in metabolism and various biological processes.

Key points:

  • Enzymes have specific active... Show more

what is an enzyme ?
L,
proteins that act as biological catalysts.
What do they do?
↳
accelerate chemical reactions
:
ENZYMES
3 Give some exa

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity and Reaction Rates

Factors affecting enzyme activity in metabolism are crucial for understanding how these biological catalysts function in various conditions. Several key factors influence enzyme activity and reaction rates:

  1. Temperature
  2. pH
  3. Enzyme concentration
  4. Substrate concentration
  5. Presence of inhibitors

Highlight: The optimum temperature for most human enzymes is around 37°C (body temperature).

Temperature significantly affects enzyme activity. As temperature increases, the rate of reaction generally increases up to an optimum point. Beyond this point, enzymes may become denatured, losing their functional shape and effectiveness.

Vocabulary: Denaturation: The process by which proteins lose their structure due to external stress, such as extreme temperature or pH, rendering them non-functional.

pH also plays a crucial role in enzyme function. Each enzyme has an optimal pH range where it functions most effectively. Extreme pH levels can denature enzymes, altering their active site shape and reducing or eliminating their catalytic activity.

Enzyme and substrate concentrations affect reaction rates:

  • Increasing enzyme concentration generally increases the reaction rate linearly, as long as there's sufficient substrate available.
  • Increasing substrate concentration typically increases the reaction rate up to a point where all enzyme active sites are saturated.

Example: In a reaction with a fixed amount of enzyme, increasing the substrate concentration will initially increase the reaction rate. However, the rate will eventually level off when all enzyme active sites are occupied.

Inhibitors can also affect enzyme activity:

  • Competitive inhibitors: Molecules that compete with the substrate for the enzyme's active site
  • Non-competitive inhibitors: Molecules that bind to a different site on the enzyme, altering its shape and function

Highlight: Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions, thereby increasing the rate of reaction without being consumed in the process.

Understanding these factors affecting enzyme activity is crucial in various fields, including medicine, biotechnology, and food science, where controlling enzyme function is often essential for desired outcomes.

what is an enzyme ?
L,
proteins that act as biological catalysts.
What do they do?
↳
accelerate chemical reactions
:
ENZYMES
3 Give some exa

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Understanding Enzymes and Their Function

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions within living organisms. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including metabolism and digestion.

Definition: Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

Enzymes have specific functions and are highly selective about the reactions they catalyze. This specificity is due to their unique structure, particularly the active site.

Example: Some common enzymes include amylase in saliva, which breaks down starch into sugars, and maltase in the small intestine, which breaks down maltose into glucose.

The enzyme-substrate interaction is often explained using the lock-and-key theory or the induced fit model. In this model, the enzyme is the "lock" with a specific shaped active site, and the substrate is the "key" that fits into it.

Highlight: The enzyme-substrate complex forms when the substrate binds to the enzyme's active site. After the reaction, the enzyme remains unchanged and ready for another reaction cycle.

Enzyme structure and function in biological reactions are closely related to collision theory in chemistry. This theory states that for a chemical reaction to occur, particles must collide with sufficient energy and in the correct orientation.

Vocabulary: Collision theory: A principle stating that for a chemical reaction to occur, particles must collide with sufficient energy and in the correct orientation.

Enzymes can be classified based on their location and function:

  1. Intracellular enzymes: Found inside cells (e.g., in the cytoplasm or mitochondria)
  2. Extracellular enzymes: Found outside cells (e.g., digestive enzymes)

Highlight: Enzymes can be involved in anabolic reactions (building molecules) or catabolic reactions (breaking down molecules).

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

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4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user