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 role does luciferin play in fireflies?

Back

Luciferin is a molecule that, when broken down in fireflies, produces heat and light, and its breakdown is controlled by an enzyme.

Front

What is a biological catalyst?

Back

A biological catalyst is a substance, typically an enzyme, that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Front

What is meant by the term 'active site' of an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

Why can't maltase catalyze the synthesis of lipids?

Back

Maltase cannot catalyze the synthesis of lipids because it has a specific active site that only fits maltose, not lipid molecules.

Front

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

The enzyme-substrate complex is a temporary molecule formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate, facilitating the chemical reaction.

Front

How do enzymes affect reaction rates?

Back

Enzymes increase reaction rates by lowering the activation energy needed 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 the significance of enzyme specificity?

Back

Enzyme specificity ensures that enzymes catalyze only specific reactions, which is crucial for maintaining metabolic pathways and cellular functions.

Front

What happens to an enzyme after a reaction occurs?

Back

After a reaction occurs, the enzyme is released unchanged and can catalyze additional reactions with other substrate molecules.