2. How Enzymes Work

• Enzymes Affect Reaction Rates, Not Equilibria

• Reaction Rates and Equilibria Have Precise Thermodynamic Definitions

• A Few Principles Explain the Catalytic Power and Specificity of Enzymes

• Noncovalent Interactions between Enzyme and Substrate Are Optimized in the Transition State

• Covalent Interactions and Metal Ions Contribute to Catalysis