Enzymes

• Enzymes are proteins that function as biological catalysts. 
• A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reactions without themselves being consumed by the reaction.
• Enzymes enable chemical reactions to happen at much lower temperatures than is normally required.
• Enzymes are necessary to all living organisms as they maintain reaction speeds of all metabolic reactions at a rate that can sustain life.

  For example, if we did not produce digestive enzymes, it would take around 2 – 3 weeks to digest one meal; with enzymes, it takes around just 4 hours!!
• Enzymes are specific to one particular substrate
• Enzymes are folded into complex 3D shapes that allow the smaller substrate molecules to fit into them exactly. 
• The place where these substrate molecules fit is called the active site.
• The active site of each enzyme type will only fit the shape of one specific substrate.
• The substrate binds to the active site and the product is made from the substrate(s) and is released.
• Important Enzymes : 1

  Amylase is made in the salivary glands and pancreas. It works in the mouth and small intestine. Its substrate is starch. Its product is maltose.
• Important Enzymes : 2

  Maltase is made in the small intestine, and works in the small intestine. Its substrate is maltose and its products is glucose.
• Important Enzymes : 3

  Lipase is made in the mouth, pancreas and stomach. It works in the mouth and small intestine. Its substrate is lipids (fats) and its products are fatty acids and glycerol.
• Important Enzymes : 4

  Protease is made in the stomach, pancreas and small intestine. Its substrate is protein, and its products are amino acids.
• Important Enzymes : 5

  Carbohydrase is made in the salivary glands, pancreas and small intestine. It works in the mouth and small intestine. Its substrate is complex sugars. Its product is simple sugars.