Enzymes

Front

What is the mechanism of enzyme activity called?

Back

Lock and key

Front

What is the term for the molecule upon which an enzyme acts?

Back

Substrate

Front

What happens to enzymes when they are exposed to high temperatures?

Back

They denature.

Front

What is the primary function of an enzyme?

Back

To speed up reactions.

Front

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

Back

Active site.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.

Front

What is the effect of pH on enzyme activity?

Back

Each enzyme has an optimal pH at which it functions best.

Front

What is enzyme specificity?

Back

The ability of an enzyme to choose exact substrate from a group of similar chemical molecules.

Front

What is a cofactor in relation to enzymes?

Back

A non-protein chemical compound that is required for the enzyme's activity.

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 an enzyme at a site other than the active site.