What are enzymes

What are enzymes

Enzymes are organic molecules , specifically proteins, that serve as catalysts for the different chemical reactions that occur in biological processes. When we say that enzymes are catalysts, we are referring to the fact that they are capable of accelerating the speed of chemical reactions , in such a way that they are carried out correctly and 100%.

Enzymes will always work on substances called substrates. So, in an enzymatic catalysis the following occurs:

• The enzyme (E) finds its specific substrate (S) and binds to it through its active site.
• A transient complex is formed by the union of the enzyme and the substrate, which is called the enzyme-substrate complex (ES). During this union the catalytic action of the enzyme takes place.
• After the reactions are carried out, the ES complex dissociates into the enzyme and products.
• In this article you can learn more about Proteins: what they are, functions and classification .