Oct 02, 2024, 04:42:35 PM IST
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Understanding enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts, accelerating biochemical reactions by breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones. They are essential for various bodily functions, including detoxification, energy conversion, and cellular growth.
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Enzymes can be categorized into six main types: oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. Each category performs specific chemical reactions. For instance, digestive enzymes, a type of hydrolase, break down food for easier absorption, while metabolic enzymes convert food into energy.
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Unique properties of enzymes
Enzymes are remarkable because they are not destroyed during their catalytic processes, allowing them to be reused multiple times within the body. Each enzyme is uniquely designed for a specific function, contributing to a variety of physiological processes, such as nerve function and muscle growth.
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Impact of enzymes on food
Enzymes found in foods, derived from plants and animals, differ from human enzymes. While our bodies produce enzymes for digestion, additional enzymes may be extracted or engineered to enhance food properties, like improving digestibility, tenderness, flavor, and shelf life.
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Dietary considerations
The enzymes in the food we consume are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Our bodies then reconstruct these amino acids to create functional enzymes. To support this process, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet with diverse protein sources, ensuring an adequate supply of these building blocks for optimal enzyme function.
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Credits – Source – https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/what-are-enzymes-discover-their-importance-in-digestion/slideshow/113877174.cms
