Originally Posted by MetaWraith

A possible place to start ?
http://www.worthington-biochem.com/i...roEnzymes.html

Originally Posted by MetaWraith

I don't condone using pre-written essays, but you may find some of the info you want in here.
http://www.coursework.info/30/

Originally Posted by homealone

I don't remember them being called 'builder' & 'breaker' enzymes, when I where a lad :)

lots of the general theory in Metawraiths first link still applies, though

I share Plonking's curiosity as to what WNA needs to know?

A definition?

- enzymes are proteins which act as catalysts for chemical reactions. all are originally of biological origin, some have recently been produced by the use of genetically modified micro-organisms. They work by lowering the activation energy for the reaction, but are, themselves, unchanged after the process.

-Builder enzymes catalyse constructive reactions, breaker enzymes catalyse destructive reactions.

Examples?

- Breaker enzymes are used to make glucose syrup from starch, the so called 'amylase' enzymes chop up the long starch molecule into smaller pieces.

- Breaker enzymes called 'restriction enzymes' are used in DNA sequencing to chop the DNA strand into smaller pieces, for analysis.

- Builder enzymes are used in the PCR technique, which 'multiplies' DNA from extremely small samples

there is a small animation in this link -

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/exhi.../genes/142.asp

- although it's mainly about DNA, there are other mentions of enzymes in some of the links off the page.

Originally Posted by WNA

Thank you very much :)

Originally Posted by homealone

lots of the general theory in Metawraiths first link still applies, though

Originally Posted by homealone

you're very welcome - now go & read Metawraith's links on effect of pH, temperature & concentration of substrate :p: :)

Originally Posted by Incognitas

Right I can't rep homealone so can somone do it for me.Stupid rep system!!