Enzyme activator
Enzyme Activator
An Enzyme Activator (pronunciation: /ˈɛnzaɪm/ /ˌæktɪˈveɪtər/) is a type of molecule that binds to enzymes and increases their activity. They are often involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways and can be considered the opposite of enzyme inhibitors.
Etymology
The term "Enzyme Activator" is derived from the Greek words "en zyme" meaning "in yeast", and the Latin word "activator" meaning "one who sets in motion". The term was first used in the late 19th century to describe substances that increase the rate of chemical reactions in living organisms.
Function
Enzyme activators work by binding to the enzyme and inducing a conformational change, or shape change, that increases the enzyme's ability to bind to its substrate and catalyze its reaction. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as increasing the enzyme's affinity for its substrate, or increasing the rate at which the enzyme converts the substrate into product.
Types
There are several types of enzyme activators, including:
- Cofactors: These are non-protein molecules that are required for some enzymes to function. They can be organic, such as vitamins, or inorganic, such as metal ions.
- Coenzymes: These are organic molecules that function as transient carriers of specific functional groups from enzyme to enzyme.
- Prosthetic groups: These are tightly bound, specific non-polypeptide units required for the biological function of some proteins.
- Allosteric activators: These bind to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, changing the enzyme's conformation and increasing its activity.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Enzyme activator
- Wikipedia's article - Enzyme activator
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