5.13 What are enzymes ? Write in brief the mechanism of enzyme catalysis.
Enzymes are that substance which is produced by living plants and animals. These are the complex nitrogenous organic compound. Actually, it is a protein molecule of high molecular weight and forms colloidal solution on dissolving in water.
Brief mechanism of enzyme catalysis-
On the surface of enzymes, active centres are present of different shape and size and possess active groups like etc. The substrate which has complementary shape, attach into these active sites just like a key fits into a lock. As a result, an active complex formed, later on, which becomes a product.
step 1. Binding of an enzyme to the substrate to form complex ()
step 2.To product formation, decomposition of the activated complex ()