Enzymatik

Enzymatik refers to the study and application of enzyme-driven catalysis. Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions under mild conditions in living organisms. Most enzymes are proteins, although RNA molecules can also function as catalysts. Enzymes are highly specific for their substrates and have optimal temperatures and pH values.

They operate by lowering activation energy, often binding substrates at an active site through induced fit or a lock-and-key mechanism. Michaelis-Menten kinetics describe their rates, with parameters such as Km and Vmax. Enzyme activity is modulated by inhibitors, activators, cofactors, and post-translational modifications.

Enzymes are classified into six main classes: oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. Regulation occurs through allosteric control, covalent modification, and changes in gene expression.

Applications span industry and medicine. Enzymes serve as biocatalysts with high selectivity: amylases in starch processing, proteases in detergents, lactases for lactose hydrolysis, and catalases for hydrogen peroxide breakdown. They can be produced recombinantly, engineered for stability, or immobilized for reuse.

History notes: The concept of enzymes emerged in the 19th century; Eduard Buchner demonstrated fermentation could occur without living cells, establishing enzymes as biological catalysts. The field of enzymology now covers structural studies, kinetics, and diverse biotechnological applications.