Enzymes (Numbering Nature’s Liquid Blueprint)
Enzymes are proteins that allow certain chemical reactions to take place much quicker than the reactions would occur on their own. Enzymes function as catalysts, which means that they speed up the rate at which metabolic processes and reactions occur in living organisms. Usually, the processes or reactions are a part of a cycle or pathway with separate reactions at each step. Each step of a pathway or cycle usually requires a specific enzyme. Without the specific enzyme to catalyze the reaction, the cycle or pathway cannot be completed. The result of an uncompleted cycle or pathway is the lack of a product of that cycle or pathway. Without a needed product, a function cannot be performed, which negatively affects the organism. Reactions are not impossible without enzymes. Enzymes do not change during reactions, nor do they change the other contents of the reaction. They just speed up the “rate” at which all parts of the reaction react. In a chemical reaction, the reaction is completed when equilibrium is reached. Chemical reactions have forward directions and backward directions, and reactions tend to move in both directions—until there are no products left created from the reactants.
A+ B C +D
Reactant (products) The point of equilibrium
The equilibrium “constant” is written as:
K eq
Without proper enzymatic functions, toxic chemicals could build up in the body to dangerous levels. The energy producing Krebs cycle would not be able to produce ATP. ATP is the main fuel source of the body produced from food.