Metabolism - Enzymes I | BIALIGY.com

About this video

• Video Title: Metabolism - Enzymes I | BIALIGY.com
• Channel: BIALIGY
• Speakers: None listed
• Duration: 00:11:57

Overview

This video introduces the concept of enzymes within the context of metabolism. It explains the role of activation energy in chemical reactions and how enzymes act as biological catalysts to lower this energy barrier, thereby speeding up reaction rates without being consumed in the process. The video also touches upon the naming convention for enzymes.

Key takeaways

• Activation Energy: Every chemical reaction requires an initial input of energy, known as activation energy, to break existing bonds and initiate the reaction. This is often supplied as thermal energy.
• Enzymes as Catalysts: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up the rate of chemical reactions.
• Mechanism of Action: Enzymes work by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, making it easier and faster for reactants to transform into products.
• Enzymes Don't Cause Reactions: Enzymes do not cause reactions to happen; they only increase the rate of reactions that would occur under the given circumstances. They remain unchanged at the end of a reaction and can be reused.
• Enzyme Nomenclature: The names of enzymes typically end with the suffix "-ase," often derived from the substrate they act upon (e.g., lactase breaks down lactose).