The digestive system – enzymes help the body break down larger complex molecules into smaller molecules, such as glucose, so that the body can use them as fuel.
DNA replication – each cell in your body contains DNA. Each time a cell divides, that DNA needs to be copied. Enzymes help in this process by unwinding the DNA coils and copying the information.
Liver enzymes – the liver breaks down toxins in the body. To do this, it uses a range of enzymes.
How enzymes work
The “lock and key” model was first proposed in 1894. In this model, an enzyme’s active site is a specific shape, and only the substrate will fit into it, like a lock and key.
This model has now been updated and is called the induced-fit model.
In this model, the active site changes shape as it interacts with the substrate. Once the substrate is fully locked in and in the exact position, the catalysis can begin.