Describe the chemical composition and configuration of enzymes and discuss the factors that modify enzyme structure and/or function.

Describe the chemical composition and configuration of enzymes and discuss the factors that modify enzyme structure and/or function.

Enzymes are a type of protein. They have four levels of structure. The primary level involves the sequence of amino acids. Each amino acid has an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen group, and an "R" group which is different for each amino acid, all attached to the alpha carbon. Depending on the "R" group, an amino acid can be uncharged, polar and uncharged, acidic, or basic. 

The secondary level involves hydrogen bonding between the amino and carboxyl backbones leading to either the alpha helix or beta pleated sheet. The tertiary level involves hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attractions, disulfide bridges and other types of bonds between the "R" groups of the amino acids leading to a 3-D shape. The quaternary level only occurs with two or more polypeptide chains and involves the same bonding found in the tertiary level.

Enzymes have an active site which when the substrate is attached decreases the energy of activation leading to a faster reaction.

There are several factors that can modify enzyme structure leading to an inhibition of function. 

(1) pH changes-extreme pH changes can create an imbalance in the amino acids leading to a breaking of bonds. 

(2) Temperature changes-temperature changes can break bonds leading to denaturation. 

(3) Salt levels-an increase in the presence of ions can interfere with the atoms and their bonds leading to denaturation. All these extremes lead to a breakdown of the quaternary, tertiary, and secondary levels, which ultimately destroys function.

Moreover, the presence of inhibitors, competitive or noncompetitive, can also modify enzyme structure and function.