Activators
Definition
Activators are substances that increase the activity of enzymes, speeding up certain reactions in the body.
Analogy
Consider activators as cheerleaders at a sports game. They don't play in the game themselves (the reaction), but their cheering boosts the performance of players (enzymes).
Related terms
Cofactor: A non-protein chemical compound required for an enzyme's activity. Like how basketball players need shoes to perform their best.
Coenzyme: A small molecule (not a protein but sometimes a vitamin) essential for the activity of some enzymes. Like how athletes need water during games to stay hydrated and perform optimally.
Allosteric activator: A substance that binds to an enzyme to change its shape and increase its ability to bind substrates. Imagine if cheering could physically make athletes stronger!
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