Question

Who coined the term ‘enzyme’ for the first time?

Answer 1

A German physiologist born in Hamburg is known for coining the term ‘enzyme’. His original work was based on the physiology of muscles and nerves which was done in the early years of his life.

Complete answer:
In 1833, Anselme Payen discovered the first enzyme diastase, and in 1878 a German physiologist Wilhelm Kuhne coined a Greek term ‘leaven’ which means enzymes. An enzyme is a substance in living organisms that act as a catalyst. It helps in regulating the rate of chemical reactions without itself being altered in the process. Almost all the biological reactions in the living organisms are chemical reactions and are controlled and regulated by enzymes. They also help in breaking down complex large molecules such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins are converted into smaller molecules. They majorly act upon the substrate and are converted into different molecules known as products. Chemical bonds are formed and destroyed over many intermediate reactions. The enzyme binds to the substrate at a special area known as an active site. Then, catalysis occurs and an enzyme/product complex is formed and finally, the enzyme releases the product.

Note: The activity of an enzyme can be affected by various factors that determine the rate of a reaction. Factors include temperature, pH, enzyme concentration and substrate concentration. An enzyme can have only the active site or both the active and allosteric site for the substrate to bind. Some of the examples of enzymes are trypsin, pepsin, keratin, collagen, etc.