Scientific Sessions

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. They are primarily made up of proteins and are crucial to nearly every biochemical process in the body, including digestion, energy production, and DNA replication. Each enzyme has a specific structure and shape, allowing it to bind to particular molecules known as substrates. This binding occurs at the enzyme's active site, where the chemical reaction takes place, converting the substrate into a new product. Factors like temperature, pH, and substrate concentration can significantly influence the rate at which enzymes function, often requiring optimal conditions to work efficiently. Enzymes are highly specific in their action, meaning that each enzyme typically catalyzes only one type of reaction or acts on a specific substrate. This specificity is vital in maintaining the regulation and balance of metabolic pathways in organisms. There are several classes of enzymes based on the type of reaction they catalyze, such as oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. Enzyme activity can also be regulated by inhibitors or activators, which either block or enhance their function. In modern biotechnology and medicine, enzymes are used in various applications from producing biofuels and food processing to diagnosing diseases and developing new therapies making them essential not just in biology but also in industrial and clinical settings.

Coenzymes are typically reusable; after participating in a chemical reaction, they return to their original state and can be used again in multiple cycles. Their versatility and ability to carry chemical groups make them indispensable in metabolism and cellular function. For instance, Coenzyme A (CoA), which is derived from vitamin B5, is central in the metabolism of fatty acids and the Krebs cycle. Similarly, biotin, a coenzyme involved in carboxylation reactions, aids in gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis. The dependency of enzyme systems on specific coenzymes underscores their importance in health and disease. Deficiencies in vitamins that serve as precursors to coenzymes can disrupt enzyme activity and lead to metabolic disorders. Therefore, coenzymes represent a vital link between nutrition, enzyme function, and overall physiological balance.