Overview of Biocatalysis

Enzymes are biological catalysts, which are organic substances with catalytic ability produced by plants, animals and microorganisms (most proteins. But a small amount of RNA also has biocatalytic functions), formerly known as enzymes. The catalysis of enzymes is also selective. For example, starch. Enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into dextrin and maltose, and protease catalyzes the hydrolysis of protein into peptides, etc. Living organisms use them to speed up chemical reactions in the body. Without enzymes, many chemical reactions in an organism would proceed too slowly to sustain life. Enzymes work optimally at temperatures around 37°C (the temperature of the human body). If the temperature is higher than 50°C or 60°C, the enzyme will be destroyed and can no longer function. Therefore, biodetergents that use enzymes to break down stains on clothing are most effective at low temperatures. Enzymes are of great significance in physiology, medicine, agriculture, industry and so on. At present, the application of enzyme preparations is increasingly widespread.