How enzymes work: Analysis by modern rate theory and computer simulations

A review and discussion.  Advances in transition state theory and computer simulations are providing new insights into the sources of enzyme catalysis.  Both the lowering of the activation free energy and changes in the generalized transmission coeff. (recrossing of the transition state, tunneling, and nonequil. contributions) can play a role.  A framework for understanding these effects is presented, and the contributions of the different factors, as illustrated by specific enzymes, are identified and quantified by computer simulations.  The resulting understanding of enzyme catalysis is used to comment on alternative proposals of how enzymes work.