Biological enzymes are proteins with catalytic functions. Like other proteins, enzyme molecules are composed of long chains of amino acids. One part of the chains form a spiral shape, while the other part forms a folded sheet structure, and these two parts are connected by non folded amino acid chains, making the entire enzyme molecule a specific three-dimensional structure. Biological enzymes are produced from living organisms and have special catalytic functions. Their characteristics are as follows: high efficiency: using enzymes as catalysts, the catalytic efficiency of enzymes is 10 ^ 7-10 ^ 13 times that of general inorganic catalysts.
Specificity: An enzyme can only catalyze a chemical reaction of one type of substance, that is, an enzyme is a catalyst that can only promote specific compounds, specific chemical bonds, and specific chemical changes.
Low reaction conditions: Enzymatic reactions do not require intense conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, strong acid, or strong base like typical catalysts. Instead, they can be carried out at relatively mild room temperature and pressure. In addition, some special enzymes achieve maximum catalytic efficiency under specific conditions, such as gastric protease acting under acidic conditions in gastric juice.
Volatile inactivation: When subjected to factors such as ultraviolet radiation, heat, radiation, surfactants, metal salts, strong acids, strong bases, and other chemical reagents such as oxidants and reducing agents, the secondary and tertiary structures of enzyme proteins undergo changes. So in large-scale production, if conditions permit, enzymes can still be recycled and reused.
Can reduce the activation energy of biochemical reactions: Enzymes, as a catalyst, can increase the rate of chemical reactions, mainly because they reduce the activation energy of the reaction, making it easier to proceed. Moreover, enzymes are theoretically not consumed before and after the reaction, so they can also be recycled.