Closure – Whither Enzymology

Abstract

Enzymes are the only biomolecules that combine three hallmark features, namely, catalysis, specificity, and regulation. No wonder that study of enzyme catalysis continues to occupy prime position in modern biology (and chemistry!). Up until the fashion of omics took over studying one enzyme at a time formed the thrust of enzymology. Importance of enzyme function in vivo will form one of the key frontiers with the present emphasis on systems biology as a pointer in this direction. Enzymes in sequence and in combination with other enzymes and other cellular components often manifest interesting features like coupled reactions, regulatory networks, and distributed control of metabolism. While single enzyme studies have taken the back seat, the knowledge gleaned from such research is important for a systems biology approach. After all any biologist who follows their research interest to the finest level of detail will become an enzymologist (quote by Perry Frey).

The unreal has no existence, and the real never ceases to be, the reality of both has been perceived by the seers of truth.

(Bhagavad Gita; 2.16)