As we all know, our body is made up of cells. They play a vital role in our bodies. In simple terms, we simply can not exist without cells. An enzyme is also part of the cell, which does the work. Let’s put it like this: No cell, no enzyme, no you.
What is Enzyme?
- a kind of protein found almost everywhere, specifically in living things.
- In the body, enzymes catalyze chemical reactions. Enzymes can accelerate the reaction process and boost the number of reactions in a split second!
Functions of Enzymes
- These enzymes play an important role in our bodies. They are in charge of breaking down the food particles we consume in our digestive system, muscle development, and the removal of toxins from our bodies.
- Enzymes can be found in our food, wine fermentation, useful for cleaning, paper goods, fragrances, and many other industries!
- On the other hand, they may be found in the medical area, where they employ enzymes in some medicines to treat certain illnesses.
These are some of the enzymes found in the body:
- Lipase – is an enzyme that helps in digesting fats in food.
- Amylase – converts starch into sugar.
- Carbohydrase – breaks down starch into sugar.
- Maltase – breaks down sugar into glucose.
- Protease – breaks down protein.
- Lactase – helps digest lactose.
Factors that can affect enzyme
- Body Temperature – Enzymes work best in the human body at a body temperature of 37 degree celsius. If the body temperature is lower than 37 degrees, an enzyme may work slowly. However, if it’s higher than that, the structure may be altered, causing it to fail to operate normally.
- pH level – just like the body temperature, the pH level in our stomach can affect the activity of an enzyme. Whenever the pH levels get too low or too high, an enzyme’s performance and structure are influenced.
- Inhibitors – are components that connect to the enzyme, causing a loss of activity of the enzyme.
- Diseases – when you’re not well, the enzyme will not be productive as well.
Why are enzymes important?
- They help our cells do the work by giving them energy.
- Help repair and build our muscles.
- Digest the food we intake.
- Enzymes keep us alive.
To keep the enzyme working well, you should also take care of it. How? Simple, eat healthy food, cut your bad habits and do some exercise.
Want to learn more about how enzymes work? Check out my video here:
Learning Biology with Dr. Vanessa, LLC 