Chemical Reactions and Enzymes

Parts of a Chemical reaction Reactant: the elements or compounds that enter into a

chemical reaction Product: the elements or compounds produced by a

chemical reaction

CO2 + H2O --> H2CO3

Reactant Product

The Beginning Chemical reactions always involve changes in the chemical bonds that join atoms in compounds

In order for a reaction to occur, there must be enough energy to get the reaction started… this is called Activation Energy

Types of Reactions (The End) Any reaction where more energy is given off than is used to start it is Exergonic

An Endogonic reaction absorbs energy (takes in) and causes cooling

Enzymes are ProteinsA cell continues to live because of the chemical reactions that occur continuously.

At normal temperature these reactions occur too slowly.

Therefore, cells use enzymes to speed up chemical reactions.

PRODUCTS

Characteristics of Enzymes

Enzymes are specific.

•The enzyme works due to an area (active site) on its surface that fits the shape of the substrate.

Substrate

Enzyme

Active SiteEnzyme – Substrate Complex

Enzymes are reusable.

•During a chemical reaction substrate changes but enzyme stays intact. •Therefore, same enzyme is used over and over again.

Enzymes have optimum speed.

•Each enzyme works best at certain pHpH or temperature.temperature.

•Every increase or decrease of pH or temperature slows enzyme action down.

pH Temperature

5 97 10 6030

Enzyme

Maltose Glucose

Active Site

Chemical Reaction with Help of an Enzyme