Enzymes

Front

Proteins that act as biological catalysts by speeding up chemical reactions so life processes can function.

They are not consumed in the chemical reactions.

Back

Enzymes

Front

Molecules that enzymes break apart or put together (reactants).

Back

Substrate

Front

The specific area of an enzyme that bonds with the substrate for a moment and fits the shape of the substrate exactly.

Back

Active Site

Front

Temporary bonding between the enzyme and the substrate.

Back

Enzyme-Substate Complex

Front

The new substances formed from the substrate.

Back

Products

Front

The shape of the active site ensuring that enzymes usually work with only one kind of substrate.

Back

Enzyme Specificity

Front

The amount of energy needed to start a chemical reaction.

Back

Activation Energy

Front

To bend a protein so it no longer functions.

Back

Denature

Front

The measure of acidity in a substance.

Back

pH

Front

A pH that is too high or low denatures an enzyme

so the active site cannot bind efficiently with the substrate.

Enzymes are designed to work at specific acid or base levels.

Back

Enzymes and pH