Question

What does denatured mean in regards to enzymes?

Answer 1

Hint: Enzymes are bio-catalysts that increase the rate of the reaction by pushing the reaction forwards without itself getting involved in the chemical reaction. Most of the biological processes are catalyzed by enzymes.

Complete answer:
Enzymes are protein molecules that are made up of various amino acids. They perform specific functions in the human body such as breaking down food to give out energy or inducing various chemical processes. Enzymes consist of an active site to which when a specific substrate binds, it causes the activation of the enzyme. Enzymes work continuously until they are denatured. Enzymes that are no longer active and thus are not able to function are referred to as denatured enzymes. Denaturation of enzymes is caused by extreme temperature and abnormal levels of pH in the body. Enzymes are very structured proteins and are composed of folded protein molecules with their amino acids bonded together with hydrogen bonds. When there is an irregularity in the temperature, i.e., the temperature is very high, it causes these hydrogen bonds to dissociate. The enzyme thus loses its function and denatures. When an enzyme denatures, it loses its activity and the substrate cannot bind to its active site.

Note:
During enzyme catalysis, a substrate binds to the active site of the enzyme by non-covalent, weak hydrogen bonds. This results in the conformational change in the structure of the enzyme. This results in the release of free energy which is known as binding energy. This binding between the substrate and the enzyme is highly specific.