TY - GEN AU - Engel, Paul TI - Enzymes: a very short introduction SN - 9780198824985 U1 - 572.7 PY - 2020/// CY - Oxford PB - Oxford University Press KW - Enzymes KW - Enzymology KW - Catalysis KW - Enzymes in action KW - Enzymes and genes N1 - Includes Index and references N2 - Enzymes: A Very Short Introduction explores enzymes, the tiny molecular machines that make life possible. These proteins speed up chemical reactions inside a living organism many millionfold. Working together, teams of enzymes carry out all the processes that can be collectively recognized as life, from making DNA to digesting food. This VSI explains how this works, before going on to reveal how these catalysts of such extraordinary power and exquisite selectivity have evolved. It also examines the many varied ways in which individual enzymes are used nowadays as tools—in medical diagnosis and therapy, washing powders, food production, waste treatment, and chemical synthesis. New vistas have opened up through application of molecular genetics, not only allowing cheap, large-scale production of pure enzymes but also making possible new, tailor-made enzymes. https://academic.oup.com/book/28454 ER -