How can I write a poem on an enzyme
when I can’t even find a word to rhyme?
Now let me see if I can give it a shot
tho’ my biochemistry knowledge is not a whole lot.

An enzyme is a protein molecule -
that you can’t see – for it is minuscule.
It is a part of every living entity
and controls myriads of activity.

It increases the rate of a biochemical reaction
and surprisingly so with no direct participation.
This is why an enzyme is called a biocatalyst
as it behaves somewhat like a chemical catalyst.

Towards a substrate it shows high specificity
and fits onto it like a lock and key.
On forming a product eventually,
the enzyme is then set completely free.

Active site of an enzyme is the specific part
where the chemical reaction would start.
This is where the substrate molecule attaches
until the reaction’s over and the enzyme detaches.

The three Rs are important in an enzyme’s use
And these we know are reduce, recycle and reuse.
Recognizing enzyme names is like a child’s game
as most of them hava an -ase at the end of the name.

When the substrate is a lipid, the enzyme is a lipase
and when it is a protein, the enzyme is a protease.
Sucrase is the enzyme that breaks down sucrose
into one molecule each of glucose and fructose.

Similarly urease breaks down urea
into carbon dioxide and ammonia.
So each enzyme and its substrate form a distinct pair
and fidelity is the key to this biochemical love affair.

Thousands of enzymes exist in a single living cell -
performing their specific functions extremely well.
Even if one of them is absent or deficient,
then we need to rely on miracles Heaven-sent.

The inactive form of an enzyme
is called a zymogen or proenzyme.
The active form of an enzyme
is what we call an apoenzyme.

Some enzymes need more actors
and these are the so-called cofactors.
A cofactor is of two kinds
and each with an enzyme simply binds.

Organic cofactor – a coenzyme is got from a vitamin
such as thiamin, riboflavin and cyanocobalamin.
Inorganic cofactors are metal ions like Zn, Na and Fe
which is why minerals in food are needed by you and me.

Blood clotting, food digestion,
energy production, cell regulation,
muscle contraction and light emission
by fireflies are some instances wherein enzymes function.

Gita Ashok