Enzymes are proteins that can speed up (catalyze) chemical reactions. Without proper enzyme regulation you would die.

Each enzyme is shaped specially for certain substrates and each performs a specific reaction. An enzymes ability to function can be affected by:

1. too hot or too cold of a temperature

2. an uncomfortable pH

3. and by enzyme inhibitors.

4. substrate concentration (the more the better - faster reaction)

5. enzyme concentration (the more the better - faster reaction)

How does it work?

The enzymes and substrates have shapes complementary to each other. The substrate will fit into an enzymes active site, like a lock and key. An enzyme lowers the activation energy needed for a reaction to occur, meaning the reaction can occur sooner allowing a new product to be made.

Lysosomal disorder examples

Some of the impacts you would expect to observe to the internal health of the cells of someone with a lysosomal disorder.

• inability to destroy engulfed bacteria

• inability to digest cellular waste

• inability to digest food supply