Insights Enzymes Natures Catalysts

Enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and other compounds composed of amino acids were among the first biological catalysts to be discovered, and they have continued to be prominent in studies of enzyme structure, kinetics, activation, and mechanism of action. The crystallization of the enzyme urease by Sumner was followed by the crystallization of various proteolytic enzymes in the laboratory of Northrop. These studies established that catalytic activity is associated with what appear to be pure proteins all well-defined enzymes isolated subsequently have also proved to be proteins, although many contain additional components. The study of enzymatic reactions involving proteins as substrate, therefore, gives insight into the chemical nature of enzymes as well as the mechanisms by which they act. 

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