The Discovery of Enzymes: The Key to Understanding Biochemical Reactions
Enzymes are special proteins produced by cells that act as catalysts, speeding up biochemical reactions. These reactions are essential for every process of living, from digestion and metabolism to reproduction and growth. For centuries, scientists have worked to better understand the role of enzymes in these processes and the discovery of them has been key to our greater understanding of the biochemical reactions taking place in the body. Here, we’ll explore the history of this groundbreaking discovery and the impact it has had on the field of biochemistry.
Enzymes are complex molecules that play a significant role in metabolic reactions that take place in living organisms. Through their molecular-level action, they allow complex biochemical reactions to take place and they can be found in all forms of life. While enzymes were initially discovered in the 19th century, scientists are still working to better understand their function and structure in order to gain a greater insight into biochemical reactions.
History of Enzyme Discovery
The discovery of enzymes dates back to the 19th century, when scientists began to recognize the importance of these catalytic molecules.
The First Idea of Enzymes
In 1836, French chemist Anselme Payen became the first scientist to suggest that certain molecules had the potential to act as catalysts for biochemical reactions. At the time, these catalyst molecules, which he referred to as ‘ferments’, were not understood as enzymes, although he made the initial suggestion.
The Discovery of Enzymes
The first scientist to actually prove the existence of enzymes was German chemist, Justus von Liebig. In 1837, he created a black ink by reacting iron sulfate, gallic acid and tannin, a process that he believed was catalyzed by an enzyme. This experiment provided the first evidence of the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions and proved that they existed in some form.
Analysis of Enzyme Mechanism
Since the initial discovery of enzymes, scientists have continued to analyze their mechanism and unravel the intricate details behind their actions. In the early 20th century, Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins famously surmised that enzymes were proteins and not just some kind of ‘vital force’, as previously thought. In 1926, James Sumner showed that enzymes can be crystallized, giving us the basis for further research.
Rationalizing Action of Enzymes
In the 1920s, Michaelis and Menten gained further insight into the action of enzymes with the development of their eponymous equation. This equation showed the relationship between the reaction rate and the substrate concentration for enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
Finally, in the 1950s, Daniel Koshland showed that enzymes can be regulated through the formation of temporary bonds with their substrate. This discovery laid the foundation for our understanding of the role of enzymes in living organisms, as well as the ways they can be manipulated to influence biochemical reactions.
Classification of Enzymes
With the discovery of enzymes, scientists then looked to classify them. In the 1930s, John Kendrew was the first person to propose a classification system that categorizes enzymes based on their reaction type. This system is known as the Six Classification System and it is still used today to classify enzymes.
These six categories are:
1. Oxidoreductases
2. Transferases
3. Hydrolases
4. Lyases
5. Isomerases
6. Ligases Impact of Enzyme Discovery
The discovery of enzymes has had a profound effect on the field of biochemistry. In particular, it has enabled researchers to gain insight into the biochemical mechanisms that are involved in a range of metabolic processes. Through understanding these processes, scientists can now make more informed decisions when it comes to developing treatments for a range of different diseases.
Additionally, further elucidation of enzymes has allowed us to begin exploring ways to manipulate them. For instance, through the use of enzyme-specific inhibitors, scientists can control and regulate enzyme activity, allowing them to modify biochemical reactions in the body.
The discovery of enzymes was a groundbreaking event in the field of biochemistry. By understanding their structure and mechanism, we can now better understand the biochemical reactions that take place in the body and explore ways to manipulate them with enzyme-specific inhibitors. The discovery of enzymes has ultimately enabled us to get to the heart of biochemical reactions, providing us with insight into metabolic processes and the ability to develop treatments for a range of diseases.
