Human Biochemistry Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Structure and Functions of Proteins and Enzymes
Enzymes: Kinetics
Biomedical Significance

Among all the factors that determine enzyme activity—enzyme and Substrate Concentration, Temperature, pH, and the presence of inhibitors—the last three are of the greatest clinical interest. Enzyme activity increases with temperature; therefore, The rate of metabolic processes rises significantly during a fever. If the temperature is not eventually lowered, the consequences will be fatal. On the other hand, a decrease in body temperature (hypothermia)—and, consequently, a reduction in The activity of most Enzymes—is highly beneficial when it is necessary to lower overall metabolic demands (for example, during Heart surgery or The transport of Organs for transplant surgery). Homeostasis—the Maintenance of the body's internal environment in a state as close to normal as possible—is a fundamental biological principle. The activity of many enzymes and Proteins changes even with relatively small shifts in pH. Most pharmacological agents exert their effects by influencing corresponding enzymatic reactions. Many such drugs resemble natural substrates and can therefore act as competitive Enzyme Inhibitors. To understand many processes that are essential to pharmacology and toxicology, a clear comprehension of the MECHANISMS OF ENZYME inhibition is required.