Enzymes

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

Front

What is the primary function of an enzyme?

Back

The primary function of an enzyme is to speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy required.

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzymes?

Back

A substrate is the reactant molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

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

What is the relationship between enzymes and activation energy?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction, making it easier for the reaction to occur.

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 an enzyme inhibitor?

Back

An enzyme inhibitor is a substance that decreases the activity of an enzyme by binding to it and preventing substrate binding.

Front

What is an enzyme activator?

Back

An enzyme activator is a molecule that increases enzyme activity, often by enhancing the binding of the substrate.

Front

How do temperature changes affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature changes can affect enzyme activity; generally, higher temperatures increase activity up to a point, after which the enzyme may denature.

Front

How does pH affect enzyme activity?

Back

Each enzyme has an optimal pH range; deviations from this range can reduce enzyme activity or denature the enzyme.