Biomolecules and Enzymes

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are protein molecules that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions in the body.

Front

What elements make up carbohydrates?

Back

Carbohydrates are primarily made up of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions, thus increasing the rate of the reaction.

Front

What is a polypeptide?

Back

A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which folds into a functional protein.

Front

What are amino acids?

Back

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain.

Front

What is the significance of the chemical formula for water?

Back

The chemical formula for water (H2O) indicates that each molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom.

Front

Can chemical reactions create more complex products than the reactants?

Back

Yes, chemical reactions can create products that are more complex than the reactants, often seen in biosynthesis.

Front

What is digestion in terms of biomolecules?

Back

Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into smaller molecules, allowing the body to absorb nutrients.

Front

What is the function of carbohydrates in the body?

Back

Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source for the body and are involved in cellular structure.

Front

What is the difference between a substrate and an enzyme?

Back

A substrate is the reactant that an enzyme acts upon, while the enzyme is the catalyst that facilitates the reaction.