What are the properties of enzymes?
1) Enzymes are proteins. 2) Enzymes are biological catalysts. They lower the energy required for a reaction to take place by holding the reactants (substrates) in close proximity. 3) Enzymes are specific. They only work on one kind of substrate. 4) Enzymes work at specific temperatures and pH. 5) If the temperature or pH changes drastically then the enzyme will change shape permanently, and become useless. 6) Enzymes have an active site, a region where the substrate binds. Complementary shape to substrate (ie. enzymes are specific). 7) Enzymes may also have an allosteric site (an alternate active site) where molecules can bind changing the shape of the active site, inhibiting the function of the enzyme.
