What Are Enzymes? Guide to Their Functions and Importance

Enzymes are made of proteins, which are present throughout your body. Many chemical reactions that keep you alive depend on metabolism, while the metabolism process depends on the functions of enzymes. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in the body and in some cases enzymes speed up chemical reactions in the body by millions of times.

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French chemist Anselme Payne was the first person to discover enzymes in 1833. But the word enzyme was first used for this chemical in 1877 by German physiologist Wilhelm Kuhne (1837-1900). This word is derived from the Greek word "yeast".

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Enzymes help in breaking down large molecules (such as glucose) into smaller sizes, so that the body uses these molecules as energy. DNA is present in every cell of your body. When cells divide, they also need to copy DNA. Enzymes help in copying DNA in this process. Your liver works to reduce toxins and this work is done with the use of many types of enzymes.

Enzymes can work only in certain conditions. Most of the enzymes present in the body work well only at a body temperature of around 37 degrees Celsius. It is not that enzymes stop working at low temperatures, but their ability to work slows down in low temperatures.

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Along with this, enzymes work only at a certain pH level (a way to measure acidity/alkaline) and this depends on which part of the body they are found in. For example, enzymes in the intestines work better at 7.5 pH, while enzymes present in the stomach work well at 2 pH level, this happens because more acid is found in the stomach than in other organs.

If enzymes come in contact with high temperature or more acid or alkali, they change their shape. In this, the shape of the active enzyme changes and it is unable to bind with the substrate (other molecule).

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Thousands of enzymes are present in the body, some of the main examples of which are given below:

• Lipases - This is a group of enzymes, which helps in digesting fat in the intestines. 
• Amylase - Helps in converting starch into sugar. Amylase is found in the saliva of the mouth. 
• Maltase - This enzyme is also found in saliva; which converts sugar into glucose. Maltose is found in foods like potatoes.
• Trypsin - This enzyme is present in the small intestine, which is responsible for breaking down proteins into amino acids. 
• Lactase - Lactase is also found in the small intestine, it breaks down lactose (a type of sugar) present in milk and converts it into glucose and galactose. 
• Acetylcholinesterase - It works to break down the chemical acetylcholine (Acetylcholine, a chemical present in the brain and body) which works as a neurotransmitter (signaling to nerves and cells) in nerves and muscles.
• Helicase - Combines with DNA and performs some important reactions for the body. 
• DNA polymerase - Helps in the formation of DNA.
• Protease - Protease enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids.

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Enzymes are protein molecules that accelerate chemical reactions in organisms. They act as biocatalysts and are essential for various biochemical processes in the body, such as digestion, energy production, and DNA repair. Each enzyme is specifically designed for a certain reaction or substrate, allowing it to function with high specificity and efficiency. Deficiency or abnormality of enzymes can lead to many diseases and disorders. Therefore, having the right amount and type of enzymes is extremely important for a healthy life. Their study has led to significant advances in medicine, industrial processes, and biotechnology.