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 does the term 'optimal temperature' refer to in the context of enzymes?

Back

Optimal temperature is the temperature at which an enzyme's activity is at its maximum, allowing it to catalyze reactions most efficiently.

Front

What is the significance of pH in enzyme activity?

Back

pH affects the shape and charge of the enzyme and substrate, influencing the enzyme's ability to bind to the substrate and catalyze reactions. Each enzyme has an optimal pH range.

Front

How do enzymes affect the activation energy of a reaction?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, which increases the rate of the reaction.

Front

What happens to enzyme activity at temperatures above the optimal temperature?

Back

At temperatures above the optimal temperature, enzyme activity typically decreases due to denaturation, where the enzyme's structure is altered and it can no longer function properly.

Front

What is denaturation in the context of enzymes?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of substrates in enzyme reactions?

Back

Substrates are the reactants that enzymes act upon. They bind to the enzyme's active site, where the reaction occurs.

Front

What is an active site?

Back

The active site is a specific region on an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction takes place.

Front

What is the effect of enzyme concentration on reaction rate?

Back

Increasing enzyme concentration generally increases the reaction rate, provided that substrate concentration is not limiting.

Front

What is the effect of substrate concentration on enzyme activity?

Back

Increasing substrate concentration increases the reaction rate up to a point, after which the rate levels off as the enzyme becomes saturated.