Question -
Answer -
Enzymes are basically proteinmolecules of high molecular masses. These form colloidal solutions whendissolved in water. These are complex, nitrogenous organic compounds producedby living plants and animals. Enzymes are also called ‘biochemical catalysts’.
Mechanismof enzyme catalysis:
the surface of the enzymes,various cavities are present with characteristic shapes. These cavities possessactive groups such as −NH2, −COOH, etc. The reactant moleculeshaving a complementary shape fit into the cavities just like a key fits into alock. This leads to the formation of an activated complex. This complex thendecomposes to give the product.
Hence,
Step 1: E +S → ES+
(Activated complex)
Step 2: ES+ →E + P