ensyymin

Ensyymi is a Finnish term that translates to "enzyme" in English. Enzymes are biological catalysts, meaning they speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. They are primarily proteins, although some RNA molecules, known as ribozymes, also exhibit catalytic activity. Enzymes are essential for virtually all biological processes, from digestion and metabolism to DNA replication and muscle contraction.

Each enzyme typically catalyzes a specific reaction or a small set of related reactions. This specificity is due to the unique three-dimensional structure of the enzyme, which includes an active site. The active site is a region on the enzyme where the substrate, the molecule upon which the enzyme acts, binds. The shape and chemical properties of the active site are complementary to those of the substrate, allowing for precise binding and facilitating the chemical transformation.

Enzymes function optimally within a certain range of temperature and pH. Deviations from these optimal conditions can affect enzyme activity, often by altering the enzyme's structure and thus the shape of the active site. Extreme temperatures or pH levels can cause denaturation, a process where the enzyme loses its functional shape and becomes inactive. The study of enzymes is a crucial part of biochemistry and molecular biology, providing insights into the fundamental mechanisms of life.