How do Enzymes Work?
Science has been able to identify approximately 3 000 enzymes in the body, and each one of them carries out a very specific task. Most enzymes are used for the body’s normal metabolic processes (digestion, breathing). Certain enzymes ensure that, in the case of injury, the blood coagulates and the wound heals, while other enzymes control the production of important hormones in the body. Enzymes also destroy environmental toxins and disease-causing free radicals and can intruding pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Enzyme reaction: the lock-and-key principle
How do enzymes work?
Enzymes have an active center. Under a powerful microscope, this is the area that often looks like a depression. Certain materials fit into this depression that cause the enzyme to convert and change. In the case of proteolytic enzymes, that are generally referred to as protein-splitting enzymes are protein molecules that attach to the active center dock and divide the overall structure into specific locations. When a substrate is linked to an enzyme, it is called an enzyme-substrate complex. Each enzyme is substrate-specific and catalyzes a small number of reactions, often resulting in enzyme cascades. Enzyme cascades allow multiple controls to occur over a large overall response. If necessary, the reaction can be interrupted at any time. In addition, enzyme cascades provide energy-saving work.
Enzymes ensure that a specific balance is established between the substrate and the final product by means of a chemical reaction.
Enzymes can achieve only a certain maximum turnover rate (substrate saturation). Increasing the amount of substrates beyond this point can only be implemented if other enzymes are added.
Enzymes in technology and medicine
Our lives are made easier through the properties of enzymes. Fat-splitting lipases and protein-splitting proteases in our detergents ensure persistent stains are removed from our clothes without the need of hot water.
Enzymes also play an important role in medicine. They are used, for example, in disease diagnosis in the laboratory; and in genetic engineering as invaluable tools for cropping, joining, building and dismantling components.
"Systemic enzyme therapy" consists of combining an oral form of different enzyme combinations, which modulate the natural reactions in the body, such as reducing inflammation processes and their symptoms. This effect also improves the blood flow and regulates the immune system, since the immune response to pathogens is a complex process controlled by many enzymes. Enzyme combination therapy can help against numerous illnesses. In particular, enzyme combination therapy can accelerate the healing process and recovery of people whose body is weakened, and those who suffer several diseases simultaneously. Enzymes are like the police officers of our bodies that regulate all its biochemical reactions.
