Have you ever wondered why the fruits kept in your kitchen ripen on their own?
Why is the fresh yellow banana brought from the market ripening and becoming extra sweet after two or three days?
This all happens because of the action of enzymes in it.
Let us learn in detail about the enzymes.
What is an enzyme?
An enzyme is a type of protein found inside the cell. It is a type of biochemical molecule which helps in speed up the chemical reactions occurring inside the cell.
Enzymes act like a catalyst that increases the speed of reactions happening in living organisms like plants and animals.
Enzymes have two parts active site and substrate. The active site combines with the substrate in the lock and key manner. The active site changes shape as it interacts with the substrate. Every active site has a specific substrate once the substrate is fully locked in the exact position, The catalyst starts working.
How does it work?
They are active at room temperature, at a Lower temperature they also work but slowly. Enzymes can also perform in a certain pH range ideally in acidic or alkaline medium.
Enzymes need a specific climate for their functioning if the temperature is too high or the environment is acidic or alkaline enzymes active site does not link properly with the substrate and as a result, of it enzyme become denatured.
Types of Enzymes
A number of enzymes work in the human body to regulate various functions like:
Amylase– Amylase help in breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars
Protease-Protease breaks down protein into amino acids.
Lipase– Lipase breaks down lipids or fats and oils into glycerol and fatty acids.
Maltose-Break down maltose into sugar.
What is the impact of Enzymes on plants?
In plants, enzymes stimulate or regulate many processes for example
Photosynthesis-Photosynthesis in plants is also regulated by enzymes particularly at a high temp in presence of sunlight. It enters into the Calvin cycle
Respiration-In respiration process enzyme enters into the Krebs cycle and produces ATP in the human respiratory system.
Enzymes help in the process of Polymerisation and Fermentation in various industries like bread formation, Bear industry, etc.
Enzymes play a very important role in our life, they are supporting us in many ways but sorry to say they are also responsible for spoiling our favorite fruits and vegetables kept in our kitchen.
So try to make the best out of these regulatory molecules.
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