What are enzymes ?

Explanation

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.