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"To include the idea that enzymes affect both structure and function."

In the OCR A specification for biology, it says:
"To include the idea that enzymes affect both structure and function."

Could anyone explain what the specification means by this? How do enzymes affect structure and function?
Hi,

The enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of structural components of a living organism (e.g. DNA replicase in copying of DNA, OR peptidyl transferase in the synthesis of proteins, OR a number of enzymes including transpeptidase, [which is blocked by the antibiotics: penicillins and cephalosporins] used in the synthesis of peptidoglycan (for the cell wall of bacteria) affect structure.

Other enzymes perform functions that are physiological processes rather than making structural components of the body or cell. e.g. the enzymes involved in respiration [such as the decarboxylases in the Kreb's cycle OR ATP synthase [one molecule of which is actually a stalked particle on the cristae of mitochondria - go to google images and search "ATP synthase" - it is fascinating how much we actually know now!]]; glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, which converts one amino acid into another by transferring the amino group, etc etc etc.

Hope this helps!

M (specialist biology tutor)
@Sophie.cerys

Merry Christmas!

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