What are the different types of enzymes?

What are the different types of enzymes?

Enzymes can be classified into several types based on their function. The main types include: 1. Hydrolases - break down molecules by adding water. 2. Oxidoreductases - facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions. 3. Transferases - transfer functional groups between molecules. 4. Lyases - remove groups from or add groups to double-bonded substrates. 5. Isomerases - convert a molecule from one isomer to another. 6. Ligases - join two molecules together.

Can you give examples of each type?

Sure! Here are examples for each type: 1. Hydrolases: Amylase, which breaks down starch. 2. Oxidoreductases: Lactate dehydrogenase, involved in fermentation. 3. Transferases: Alanine transaminase, which transfers amino groups. 4. Lyases: Fumarase, which catalyzes the conversion of fumarate to malate. 5. Isomerases: Phosphoglucose isomerase, which converts glucose-6-phosphate to fructose-6-phosphate. 6. Ligases: DNA ligase, which joins DNA strands together.

How do enzymes work?

Enzymes work by lowering the activation energy of a reaction, which speeds up the process. They bind to substrates at their active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This interaction stabilizes the transition state and allows the reaction to proceed more easily.

What factors affect enzyme activity?

Several factors can affect enzyme activity, including: 1. Temperature: Each enzyme has an optimal temperature range. 2. pH: Enzymes have optimal pH levels. 3. Substrate concentration: Increasing substrate concentration can increase activity until saturation. 4. Inhibitors: Molecules that decrease enzyme activity. 5. Cofactors: Non-protein molecules that assist in enzyme function.