Problem 3 - Arihant Objective Approach to Organic Chemistry for IIT JEE and NEET all Medical Entrances Part 4

Question

The function of enzymes in the living system is tos |CBSE 1996] (a) transport oxygen (b) provide immunity (c) catalyse biochemical reactions (d) provide energy

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The function of enzymes is to catalyse biochemical reactions.

Step 1: Identify Enzyme Function

Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts. They increase the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process, meaning they help facilitate reactions.

Step 2: Evaluate Each Option

Now let's evaluate each option: - (a) Transport oxygen: This is the function of hemoglobin, not enzymes. - (b) Provide immunity: This is mainly the function of antibodies and the immune system. - (c) Catalyse biochemical reactions: This is precisely what enzymes do. - (d) Provide energy: This function is primarily performed by ATP, the energy currency of cells.

Step 3: Select the Correct Option

Based on the understanding of enzyme function and the evaluation of each option, the correct answer is (c) catalyse biochemical reactions. Enzymes play a crucial role in speeding up reactions critical to life processes.

Key Concepts

Catalysts in Nature

In the realm of chemistry, catalysts play a crucial role. These substances boost the rate of chemical reactions while remaining unchanged at the end of the reaction. Enzymes are natural catalysts, also known as biological catalysts, due to their pivotal role in accelerating biochemical processes.

Unlike chemical catalysts, enzymes are highly specific. They target specific reactions in living organisms, influencing pathways essential for life. This specificity makes them more efficient and adaptable to different conditions within living cells. Without enzymes acting as catalysts, many chemical reactions in living organisms would simply be too slow to sustain life.

Understanding Biochemical Reactions

Biochemical reactions are chemical processes that occur within living organisms. They involve the transformation of molecules to maintain homeostasis, produce energy, and build cellular structures. These reactions form the basis of life, affecting everything from cellular respiration to the synthesis of vital macromolecules.

These chemical processes are often complex and require precise control to ensure that the organism functions correctly. Enzymes are crucial here as they catalyze these reactions, meaning they not only accelerate them but also ensure they proceed under the mild conditions of temperature and pressure that living organisms maintain.

• Thousands of biochemical reactions occur in our bodies.
• They are responsible for digesting food, moving muscles, and sending nerve impulses.
• An imbalance in these biochemical reactions can lead to diseases.

The Vital Role of Enzyme Function

Enzyme function is foundational to life, acting as the mediator for metabolic pathways. These proteins accelerate reactions by lowering the activation energy required, enabling processes that would be too slow under normal conditions.

Each enzyme binds to a specific substrate, forming an enzyme-substrate complex that facilitates the conversion of substrates into products. This process is highly efficient and ensures that vital life processes such as digestion, energy production, and DNA replication occur effectively.

Enzymes are sensitive to environmental conditions, like pH and temperature, which means any deviations can impact their efficiency and speed. Hence, the regulation of enzyme activity is paramount for maintaining biological balance.