What are enzymes ?

1.	What are enzymes ?
Answer» Solution :ENZYMES are biological catalysts. Each biological catalysts. Each biological system requires a different enzyme. Thus, as compared to conventional catalysts , enzymes are very specific are very specific and efficient in their action . They are required in onyl small quantity and work at optimum temperature (310K) and p H (7-4) under one atmosphere pressure. Chemically , they are globular proteins. However, some enzyme are ALSO associated with some non- protein component called the COFACTOR for their acitivity. Cofactors are two types : (a) Inorganic ions such as `Zn^(2+),Mg^(2+),Mn^(2+),Fe^(2+),CU^(2+),Co^(2+)`, etc. (b) Organic molecules : These are also of two types. (i) Coenzymes : These are usually derived form vitamins such as thaimine , riboflavin , niacin , etc. They are loosley held to the protein and can be easily spearted by dialysis. (ii) Prosthetic GROUP : These are also derived from vitamin such as biotin but are tightly held to the protein molecule by covalent bonds. Thet can be spearated only by careful hydrolysis.

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