Chemistry and Biochemistry Academy

Enzymes are unique proteins that function as biological catalysts. For example, enzymes hasten chemical reactions in life forms without being used up in the course of the reaction. Their vital functions make all life processes, such as digestion, energy, DNA replication, and cell repair, fast and efficient under comfortable conditions (including body temperature and pH). Enzymes are specific to the reaction they act on. Furthermore, enzymes acting on a broad range of molecules or molecules with different types of bonds may often only act on a specific molecule or a certain class of molecules. How Enzymes Work Enzymes work based on the lock and key-induced fit model. For instance, they work through:  Substrate Binding A substrate is the molecule that an enzyme works on. The substrate goes into a certain area of the enzyme known as an active site, like a key into a lock. The Enzyme-Substrate Complex After the enzyme has bound to its substrate, it alters in shape a little in order t...

  The contrast between ionic and covalent bonding is based on the interaction of atoms, whereby atoms come together to obtain stability in their respective outer electron shells. Atoms tend to fill up the energy levels that are in the furthest part of them, and here lies the difference because atoms fulfill this by either transferring or sharing electrons, thus leading to two distinct types of chemical bonds.  An ionic bond occurs when electrons are transferred fully between two atoms. This typically happens between a non-metal and a metal. The metal atom has a few electrons in the outer shell, and it thus tends to lose electrons, forming a positively charged ion called a cation. Conversely, the less electronegative atom with more valence electrons tends to accept electrons, thus creating a negatively charged ion referred to as an anion.  The electrostatic attraction between the opposite charges of the ions holds the ionic particles together. One of the most common exampl...

The basis of learning chemistry is understanding essential terms. If you are studying to pass IGCSE, A-levels, WAEC, or KCSE, or you want to revise your basic knowledge of science, the simplest definitions are the key to your success. This post will examine 20 fundamental chemistry terms and their definitions, presented in an easy-to-understand and accessible format for students. Atom   It is the smallest unit of an element that maintains the chemical characteristics of the component. It has neutrons, protons, and electrons. Element  An element is a pure substance consisting of a single type of atom. Examples are Hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and gold (Au). Molecule A molecule is a group of two or more atoms that are joined together. Molecules may either be elements (for instance, O 2 ) or compounds (for example, H 2 O). Compound  A compound is a chemical combination of two or more elements in definite proportions. Therefore, to illustrate, water (H 2 O) is a compound consist...

Trainees launching their products in a workshop  One of the crucial reforms of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in Kenya is modularization, which has had a vital impact on the method of delivering and acquiring vocational skills. Therefore, by breaking down training programs into small, independent units or modules, learners are offered the freedom to work at their own pace. This system also enables learners to begin, interrupt, and continue training without having to redo the entire course, which is quite helpful, especially for part-time students, adult learners, and those already employed. The benefits of modularization include encouraging lifelong learning. Trainees can progressively accumulate their qualifications, taking one module at a time, which helps promote the idea of skills enhancement in learners throughout their lives and careers. Moreover, individual modules will provide specific work-related competencies. This will enable trainees t...