Macromolecules and enzymes

Front

What are macromolecules?

Back

Macromolecules are large, complex molecules that are essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Back

Carbohydrates serve as the main source of energy for living organisms.

Front

What role do enzymes play in biochemical reactions?

Back

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

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 enzymes.

Front

What happens to a substrate after it binds to an enzyme?

Back

After binding to an enzyme, the substrate undergoes a chemical reaction and is transformed into a product.

Front

What is the structure of an enzyme?

Back

Enzymes are typically globular proteins with a specific three-dimensional shape that allows them to bind to substrates.

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 a substrate in the context of enzyme activity?

Back

A substrate is the reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon during a biochemical reaction.

Front

What is the significance of the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the region of the enzyme where substrate binding occurs, and it is crucial for the enzyme's catalytic activity.

Front

What is an enzyme inhibitor?

Back

An enzyme inhibitor is a molecule that decreases enzyme activity by binding to the enzyme and preventing substrate binding or reaction.