Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

An enzyme is a biological catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction.

Front

What is the role of a substrate in enzyme activity?

Back

A substrate is the specific reactant that an enzyme acts upon. The enzyme binds to the substrate to form an enzyme-substrate complex, facilitating the conversion of the substrate into products.

Front

What is catalase and what is its function?

Back

Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

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 an enzyme inhibitor?

Back

An enzyme inhibitor is a substance that decreases the activity of an enzyme by binding to it and preventing it from catalyzing its reaction.

Front

What is the significance of enzyme specificity?

Back

Enzyme specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to select and catalyze a specific substrate among many possible candidates, ensuring that the correct biochemical reactions occur in the cell.

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 of the enzyme, while non-competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor binds to a site other than the active site, altering the enzyme's function.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the region of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the importance of enzymes in metabolic pathways?

Back

Enzymes are crucial in metabolic pathways as they facilitate and regulate biochemical reactions, allowing for the efficient conversion of substrates into products necessary for cellular function.

Front

What is Pompe disease?

Back

Pompe disease is a genetic disorder caused by the deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase, leading to the accumulation of glycogen in the body's cells, particularly affecting muscle and heart function.