Enzyme structure-function relationship

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in chemical reactions within living organisms. Their structure is crucial for their function: each enzyme has a specific shape that allows it to bind to particular molecules, known as substrates. This binding occurs at a region called the active site. When the enzyme and substrate fit together like a key in a lock, the enzyme can speed up the reaction, helping convert substrates into products. Any change in the enzyme’s structure can affect its ability to function, highlighting the importance of the enzyme's shape in facilitating biological processes efficiently.