African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12487

Review

A review of the biochemical, biotechnological and other applications of enzymes

Soetan, K. O.1*, Aiyelaagbe, O. O.2 and Olaiya, C. O.3
  1Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. 2Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. 3Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 14 August 2009
  •  Published: 25 January 2010

Abstract

 

Enzymes are proteins evolved by the cells of living organisms. Their specific function is to catalyse chemical reactions. Enzymes increase the rate at which reactions approach equilibrium. Enzymes have found wide and diverse applications in different disciplines and fields of human endeavours. Enzymes play critical role in the metabolic activities of all living organisms, whether humans, animals, plants or microorganisms and are widely applied in agriculture, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, genetics, industries, human and veterinary medicine, pharmacy, research, etc. The different applications of enzymes abound in the literature. The aim of this review is to discuss the diverse applications of enzymes for the purpose of teaching, education and research.

 

Key words: Biochemical, biotechnological, applications, enzymes.