Enzyme
Definition
An enzyme is a biological catalyst, typically a protein, that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions and are highly specific, each acting on a particular substrate. They are essential for metabolism and virtually all cellular processes.
Key Points for NEET
- 1Most enzymes are proteins (some are RNA - ribozymes)
- 2Highly specific due to lock-and-key or induced fit model
- 3Have an active site where substrate binds
- 4Affected by pH, temperature, substrate concentration
- 5Can be inhibited competitively or non-competitively
Example
Amylase in saliva breaking down starch into sugars
Asked in NEET
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More Cell Biology Definitions
Mitosis
Mitosis is a type of cell division in which a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. It is the process by which the body grows and repairs damaged tissues. During mitosis, the chromosomes in the nucleus are separated into two identical sets, each going to one of the two daughter cells.
Meiosis
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid daughter cells from one diploid parent cell. It occurs in germ cells and is essential for sexual reproduction, introducing genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
Osmosis
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane. It is a special type of diffusion that only involves water and continues until equilibrium is reached or opposed by other forces.