Biology

Enzymes – Catalysts

This biology video tutorial provides a basic introduction into enzymes – most of which are protein based catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy of the transition state. Some enzymes are RNA based catalysts called Ribozymes. This video discusses the method of how enzymes interact with their substrates using the lock and key model as well as the induced fit model. When an enzyme binds with its substrate, it forms an intermediate known as the enzyme substrate complex. This intermediate quickly breaks down into the original enzyme and the products of the reaction. The enzyme is not consumed in the process thus allowing it to be reused in another cycle.