Enzymes

Front

What does the 'lock and key hypothesis' explain?

Back

The mechanism of enzyme specificity.

Front

What are enzymes primarily composed of?

Back

Proteins.

Front

What is the role of an enzyme in a chemical reaction?

Back

To speed up reactions.

Front

What determines the specificity of an enzyme for its substrate?

Back

The shape of the enzyme.

Front

What is the term for the region on an enzyme where the substrate binds?

Back

Active site.

Front

What is the effect of temperature on enzyme activity?

Back

Enzyme activity typically increases with temperature up to a certain point, after which it may denature.

Front

What is enzyme denaturation?

Back

The process in which an enzyme loses its functional shape due to external stress, such as heat or pH changes.

Front

What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibition?

Back

Competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site, while non-competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor binds to a different part of the enzyme.

Front

What is a cofactor?

Back

A non-protein chemical compound that is required for the biological activity of an enzyme.

Front

What is the significance of enzyme concentration in a reaction?

Back

Increasing enzyme concentration generally increases the rate of reaction, provided there is enough substrate.