question_answer 15)

Describe the important properties of enzymes. 

Answer:

(i) Enzymes are proteins which catalyse biochemical reactions in the cells. (ii) They are denatured at high temperatures. (iii) Enzymes generally function in a narrow range of temperature and pH. Each enzyme shows its highest activity at a particular temperature and pH called the optimum temperature and optimum pH. (iv) With the increase in substrate concentration, the velocity of the enzymatic reaction rises at first. The reaction ultimately reaches a maximum velocity (v max) which is not exceeded by any further rise in concentration of the substrate. (v) The activity of an enzyme is also sensitive to the presence of specific chemicals that bind to the enzyme. (vi) Enzymes are substrate specific in their action.