Blood, Electrolytes, and Intravenous Infusions
2-13
2-13. ENZYMES
An enzyme is a complex biological catalyst. Most reactions, which are aided by catalysts in the body, would take place without the enzyme, but too slowly to support life. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions during which complex substances are broken down into simple substances. The enzymes also speed the assembly of simple substances into complex substances. The enzyme is a protein that is not consumed or used up during its action as a catalyst. In the presence of an enzyme, a reaction uses up less energy for its completion. Most enzymes have the suffix "ase" in their name. This suffix is combined with the chemical name of the substance that uses the enzyme as a catalyst. Enzymes that split starch (amylum) are called "amylase" and those that react with fat (lipid) are called "lipase." Most others are named in a similar manner.
