A review of recent work on enzyme action

Abstract

In the first instance, the value of a more exact knowledge of the actual nature of enzymes is noted, although the subject of the essay does not admit of it being dealt with in detail.The factors governing the velocity of enzyme action are shown more and more to be capable of a physical explanation, so much so that some have suggested that the whole of enzyme action (even the nature of enzymes themselves) may be so /ál explained. The work of Beatty (1916) although hypothetical is very interesting on this point. He puts forward a theory of enzyme action which reduces it to the simplest possible explanation, viz., that all the reactions concerned are essentially the addition or splitting off of H' or OH'ions. The theory is an advanced one, but certainly modern evidence tends in that direction.The work on the synthetic action of enzymes has established definitely that synthesis does occur, but much remains to be done on the factors governing the reaction.Our knowledge ßf oxidation and other processes is seen to be in its infancy, and to consist to a very large extent of an accumulation of incoherent facts which are the result of purely abstract laboratory work. Without doubt, however, the practical value of these results will eventually come to light, and well it is to remember the passage from Sprat's MHistory of the Royal Society ", which supports the existence of a society for the purpose of making experiments:- "If they will persist in condemning all experiments except those which bring with them immediate gain and a present harvest, they may as well cavil at the providence of God that he has not made all seasons: of the year to be times of mowing, reaping and vintage."Some authors, e.g., Trollanod (1917), consider that enzyme action and.specific catalysis provide a definite general solution to all fundamental biological problems, and deplore the recrudescence of vitalism.A discussion of the problem of "vitalism" cannot be entered upon here, but certain it is that with elucidation of the nature of enzymes will come the solution of one of the most important factors on which life depends.