So...what  exactly are enzymes?

 

Enzymes are a type of macromolecule (protein) that act as a catalyst, a chemcial agent that speeds up a reaction without being consumed by the reaction. They are reusable; if there is an -ase at the end of a word, it is usually a type of enzyme. Enzymes have many functions througout an organisms body, from regulation to the creation of more proteins

 

One following term you should be familiar with are Endergonic reactions and Exergonic reactions:

 

Endergonic reactions: a reaction that absorbs free energy from its surroundings, is nonspontaneous  (+ΔG), ends with a higher energy state. Endergonic reactions are basically endothermic reactions (the only differnce is that endergonic reactions occur in life forms; endothermic reactios can be classifed anywhere)

-example: building polymers, dehydration synthesis = anabolism

 

Exergonic reactions: A sponteanous chemcial reaction (-ΔG), in which there is a net release of free energy, a lower energy state; energy is released in exergonic reactions. Exergonic reactions are basically exothermic reactions (the only differnce is that exergonic reactions occur in life forms; exothermic reactions can be classified anywhere)

-example: digesting polymers, hydrolysis = catabolism 

 

*ΔG defines the spontaneity of a reaction. A non-spontaneous reaction means that there is no need for any inital investment of energy; vice versa, a spontaneous reaction means that an initial input of energy is needed for the reaction to occur. Spontaneity has nothing to do with the rate of the reaction.