Water's role in biological catalysis?

[hivesaeed4]

Why is water required to be present in biological processes involving catalysis. I read that online and the way it was written made it look sort of obvious ( like, duh ) but I don't understand it. Help?

 

[Borek]

All biological processes evolved in water solutions, so the presence of water is taken as granted. Doesn't mean some of them can't be replicated in different solvents, but I suppose they will be much slower, as water has very particular properties.

 

[Ygggdrasil]

Biological catalysts (for the most part, enzymes) are complex polymers that must fold into a specific shape in order to perform their function. Much of the energy driving the folding of these polymers into the correct shape comes from the hydrophobic effect, which forces non-polar regions of the polymer toward the interior of the structure and polar regions toward the exterior. In non-aqueous solutions, these polymers will not fold correctly and therefore will not be able to catalyze any reactions.

 

[hivesaeed4]

Thanks guys.

 

[LudusRex]

Water plays a crucial role in biological catalysis because it serves as a solvent and facilitates the chemical reactions involved in the process. Many biological reactions, including those involving enzymes, require water to function properly. This is because water molecules can interact with the reactants and enzymes, facilitating the necessary chemical bonds and promoting the formation of the reaction's transition state.

Furthermore, water can also act as a reactant or product in catalytic reactions, making it an essential component in the overall process. Without water, the reactants and enzymes would not have enough mobility and flexibility to come into contact and form the necessary bonds.

In addition, water also helps to maintain the optimal pH and temperature for biological reactions to occur. Enzymes, which are responsible for catalyzing reactions in living organisms, are highly sensitive to changes in pH and temperature. Water helps to regulate these factors and ensure that the reactions can take place efficiently.

Overall, water's presence in biological catalysis is vital for the proper functioning of living organisms. It not only serves as a solvent and facilitator of reactions but also helps to maintain the necessary conditions for these reactions to occur. Without water, biological catalysis would not be possible, and essential processes such as metabolism and cellular respiration would not be able to take place.