What Types of Catalytic Mechanisms Do Enzymes Employ?
Enzymes can employ various catalytic mechanisms to accelerate reactions:
1. Acid-Base Catalysis: Involves the transfer of protons (Hâº) to stabilize the transition state. 2. Covalent Catalysis: Involves the formation of a transient covalent bond between the enzyme and the substrate. 3. Metal Ion Catalysis: Utilizes metal ions to stabilize negative charges or to facilitate electron transfer. 4. Proximity and Orientation Effects: Enzymes bring substrates into close proximity and orient them correctly to enhance the likelihood of a reaction.
