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We talked about enzymes last time. Enzymes are actively working in our body, aren't they? |
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We cannot even live without enzymes. Even though we eat rice or meat, they cannot be assimilated into our body as they are. What we eat cannot be assimilated until degraded by active enzymes. This is true not only for us but also for all the other living organisms such as cows or pigs. |
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Do enzymes work on everything? |
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That's where the problem lies. Enzymes only work on specific substrates (materials). For instance, an enzyme called amylase works only on starches, and an enzyme called protease works only on proteins. This phenomenon is called the "substrate specificity". |
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I understand. It sounds like a relationship between the lock and key. |
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Smart, you are! |
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I thought enzymes are versatile... Are they convenient or inconvenient for use?
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It depends on the purposes. For example, when you want only a specific substance to be degraded, out of various substances, an enzyme is exactly what you are looking for, because of its substrate specificity. However, when you want all the substances to be degraded at once, the use of a single kind of enzyme does not work. |
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I see. By the way, how did you like the movie "Autumn of Love" you watched recently?
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I found French movies are boring.
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You are not mature enough.... |
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Two of them enjoyed walking along Seta River from Ishiyama Temple over chattering.
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