Entsyymit

Entsyymit, the Finnish term for enzymes, are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms. Most entsyymit are proteins, though some RNA molecules possess catalytic activity (ribozymes). They bind specific substrates at an active site and typically operate under narrow temperature and pH ranges, ensuring regulation of processes from digestion to DNA replication. The naming convention often highlights the substrate or type of reaction, and many end with the suffix -ase, such as amylase or protease.

Function and regulation: Enzymes increase reaction rates by lowering activation energy and often work through induced fit. They display specificity: one enzyme acts on a limited set of substrates. Activity is modulated by temperature, pH, inhibitors, and activators; extreme conditions can denature enzymes. Some enzymes require cofactors (metal ions) or coenzymes (vitamins-derived molecules) to function. Others are produced as inactive precursors (zymogens) and activated when needed.

Biological roles: Digestive enzymes operate in the gastrointestinal tract; metabolic enzymes participate in pathways like glycolysis and citric acid cycle; DNA and RNA polymerases catalyze nucleic acid synthesis.

Industrial and medical applications: Enzymes are used in food processing, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. Enzyme replacement therapies treat certain metabolic disorders, while diagnostic tests often measure enzyme activity as a biomarker.

Terminology: The Finnish term entsyymit corresponds to enzymes in English.