Enzymes

Front

What is the role of an enzyme in biochemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Front

Define the term 'substrate' in the context of enzyme activity.

Back

A substrate is any substance that is acted upon by an enzyme during a biochemical reaction.

Front

What is an enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

An enzyme-substrate complex is a temporary molecular structure formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Factors that can affect enzyme activity include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

Front

What is the optimal temperature for enzyme activity?

Back

The optimal temperature is the temperature at which an enzyme exhibits maximum activity, often around 30°C for many enzymes.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

Front

How do competitive inhibitors affect enzyme activity?

Back

Competitive inhibitors compete with the substrate for binding to the active site, which can decrease the rate of reaction.

Front

What is the difference between a cofactor and a coenzyme?

Back

A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound that is required for the enzyme's activity, while a coenzyme is a specific type of cofactor that is organic and often derived from vitamins.

Front

Explain the concept of enzyme specificity.

Back

Enzyme specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to select and catalyze a specific substrate or group of substrates.

Front

What is denaturation in relation to enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process by which an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its activity due to factors like extreme temperature or pH.