Explain chemical and physical nature of enzymes?

What is the fundamental nature of enzymes, chemically and physically?

Chemical nature of enzymes: 

Most enzymes are proteins, so each has its own specific structure, which required for its proper functioning.

A complete function al enzyme is called holoenzyme.

The holoenzyme consists of two parts.


1. Apoenzyme: It is the proteinaceous part of an enzyme which is mostly non functional.

2. Cofactor: It is non-proteinaceous part of an enzyme.


Apoenzyme + Cofactor = Holoenzyme.

Some enzymes are only composed of protein i.e. no cofactors are attached with them.

Physical Nature of Enzymes

I. Enzymes have relatively high molecular weight e.g. the molecular weight          of peroxidase 40,000 Daltons or 40 KDa and catalase 250 KDa approximately. 
II. Enzymes due to proteinaceous nature may denature in high temperature.

III. The enzymes form colloidal suspension in the cytosol of cytoplasm therefore, at low temperature their activity may decrease or stop.
IV. High fever is harmful for the body because enzymes may denature in high temperature.


What are Differences between Apoenzyme and Holoenzyme







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