REVIEW: Chemical Reactions & Enzymes (HBio)

Front

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

The enzyme-substrate complex is a temporary molecule formed when an enzyme comes into perfect contact with its substrate.

Front

What happens to enzymes when exposed to high temperatures?

Back

Enzymes can denature when exposed to high temperatures, causing their structure to change and leading to a decrease in their activity.

Front

What is the optimal temperature for enzyme activity?

Back

The optimal temperature for enzyme activity is the temperature at which the enzyme functions most efficiently, often around 30°C for many human enzymes.

Front

What are the two main processes involved in chemical reactions?

Back

Chemical reactions involve the breaking of bonds in reactants and the formation of new bonds in products.

Front

What does the induced fit mechanism describe?

Back

The induced fit mechanism describes how an enzyme changes shape upon substrate binding, enhancing the enzyme's ability to catalyze the reaction.

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzyme activity can be affected by temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

Front

What is denaturation in the context of enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process in which an enzyme loses its functional shape due to external stressors, such as extreme temperature or pH, resulting in loss of activity.

Front

How do enzymes lower activation energy?

Back

Enzymes lower activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway and stabilizing the transition state.

Front

What is the role of substrates in enzyme reactions?

Back

Substrates are the reactants that enzymes act upon to facilitate a chemical reaction.