How does an enzyme such as pepsin break down a substrate?

The specific reaction catalyzed by pepsin is the acid hydrolysis of the peptide bond. This reaction will break down proteins into smaller units to enable the digestive process. Pepsin demonstrates an unusual property for an enzyme; it does not actually form chemical bonds with its substrate.

What does pepsin break down?

Of these five components, pepsin is the principal enzyme involved in protein digestion. It breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids that can be easily absorbed in the small intestine.

What is the substrate of the enzyme pepsin?

The substrate of the enzyme pepsin is protein.

Why do enzymes only work on their specific substrates?

Enzymes are specific to substrates as they have an active site which only allow certain substrates to bind to the active site. This is due to the shape of the active site and any other substrates cannot bind to the active site. this goes the same as an enzymes active site and the substrate.

What is the substrate of the enzyme pepsin quizlet?

What is the usual substrate for pepsin, and what subunits (products) are formed with pepsin activity? The substrate is BAPNA, a synthetic peptide, and pepsin usually hydrolyzes polypeptides found in food. The presence of pepsin hydrolyzes polypeptides into peptides and free amino acids.

What do enzymes break down?

Different types of enzymes can break down different nutrients: amylase and other carbohydrase enzymes break down starch into sugar. protease enzymes break down proteins into amino acids. lipase enzymes break down lipids (fats and oils) into fatty acids and glycerol.

What does the substrate fit into?

The induced fit model states an substrate binds to an active site and both change shape slightly, creating an ideal fit for catalysis. When an enzyme binds its substrate it forms an enzyme-substrate complex. The enzyme will always return to its original state at the completion of the reaction.

How do the enzymes and substrates fit together?

For an enzyme and substrate to bind they have to fit together physically. This is a cleft in the protein surface where the substrate binds. It has a shape that fits the substrate like a glove fits a hand or a lock fits a key. Only substrates with a particular molecular shape will have any chance to bind effectively.