Enzymes and Speed of Biochemical Reactions

by Javier Figueroa

Submitted : Spring 2012

This project is about the exploration of the most important characteristic (property) of an enzyme. From this project it is possible to come to the conclusion that the shape of the enzyme has a direct effect in the Activation Energy of the reaction. This will make the reaction faster and much more efficient compared to the same reaction without the enzyme. The example that is used to formulate a conclusion in here is the enzyme Catalase which is found in the liver and is responsible for the decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide. With this enzyme the overall Activation Energy of Hydrogen Peroxide is decreased drastically and the rate of the reaction increases greatly, with this the reaction happens at a much faster pace that allows it to decompose the Hydrogen Peroxide at a greater and faster scale.

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