Enzymes

Definition

Enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in our bodies, making them essential for digestion and metabolism.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Enzymes are biological catalysts composed of protein molecules that significantly accelerate both the rate and specificity of metabolic reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy. They facilitate a wide range of physiological processes critical for life, including digestion, metabolism, and cellular repair.

Benefits

• Facilitate digestion by breaking down complex foods into simpler molecules.
• Improve nutrient absorption by aiding in the breakdown of nutrients.
• Support metabolic processes and energy production within cells.
• Enhance detoxification processes by transforming harmful substances into more benign substances.
• Are involved in immune functions by processing pathogens and other foreign substances.

Examples

• Papain from papaya, used in meat tenderizing and protein digestion.
• Bromelain from pineapple, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Amylase found in saliva, aiding in starch digestion.
• Lactase, required for digesting lactose in dairy products.
• Lipase, which helps in the digestion of fats.

Additional Information

• Importance: Enzymes are crucial for sustaining life as they regulate and facilitate nearly all physiological processes required for homeostasis and energy production. Their deficiency or malfunction can lead to metabolic disorders.

Related Terms

• Proteins
• Metabolism
• Digestion
• Catalysts
• Biochemical Reactions

References

• The role of enzymes in health and disease
• Enzymes: principles and biotechnological applications