Pallas Chou delivers the Senior English Address | Harvard Commencement 2023

TL;DR

Enzymes are small, powerful molecular machines that perform vital functions in our bodies, teaching us the limitless potential of our abilities when shaped by those who care for us.

Transcript

• I love enzymes! (all laughing) Tiny molecular machines, too small to be seen by the naked eye. They're in each of our cells performing important life functions like helping us breathe and allowing us to eat yummy foods like the warm Taiwanese beef noodle soup my mother makes, niu rou mian (audience members cheering) and the creamy New England cho... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Enzymes are essential for various biological functions, such as digestion and respiration.
• 🎭 The unique structures of enzymes enable them to perform specific functions.
• ⛅ Enzymes are partly determined by DNA but are also shaped by other enzymes and the environment.
• 🧑‍🏭 Like enzymes, human characteristics are influenced by both genetic factors and interactions with others.
• 😨 Enzymes teach us that our abilities are limitless when we are shaped by those who care for us.
• 🧑‍🎓 Harvard University provides a diverse and enriching environment where students learn from each other.
• 👯 Together, people can catalyze change and accomplish great things, just like enzymes bring molecules together to catalyze chemical reactions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are enzymes and what functions do they perform in our bodies?

Enzymes are small molecular machines that perform essential life functions in our cells, such as helping us breathe and facilitating digestion. They bring together different molecules in the cell, causing them to interact with each other and enabling various biological reactions.

Q: How does the structure of an enzyme enable its function?

Enzymes have a unique structure with creases, folds, loops, and bumps. These structural elements allow them to perform specific functions. For example, a gap in an enzyme's structure may be where a molecule fits, and an extending branch may be where it grabs a molecule, facilitating chemical reactions.

Q: How are enzyme structures determined?

Enzyme structures are partly determined by the DNA that encodes them. However, other enzymes in the cell and the surrounding environment also play a role in shaping the structure of an enzyme. This interaction between enzymes and their environment is crucial for their proper functioning.

Q: How are human characteristics similar to enzyme structures?

Just like enzyme structures are partly determined by DNA, our individual characteristics are also influenced by the families we come from. Our families shape our upbringing and form a solid foundation of who we are. However, like enzymes, we are also shaped by our interactions with other individuals and the environment, which contribute to our growth and development.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Enzymes are tiny molecular machines that perform important functions in our cells, allowing us to breathe and enjoy delicious foods.

• They have unique structures with creases, folds, loops, and bumps that enable them to perform fascinating functions.

• Enzyme structures are partly determined by DNA, but they are also shaped by other enzymes in the cell and the surrounding environment.