Enzymes

• The enzyme can be re-used after the substrate has been digested
• Enzymes are specific to one type of molecule
• Enzymes lower activation energy, making reactions faster
• Enzymes have an active site which is complementary to the shape of the substrate
• An example of an enzyme is amylase, which breaks down starch into glucose
• Enzymes work best at an optimum temperature (usually body temp)
• If too hot or cold, enzymes will denature - lose their shape and stop working. This is because the active site will change shape and won’t be complementary to the substrate.