Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms.

Front

What is the optimal temperature for enzyme activity?

Back

The temperature at which an enzyme functions most efficiently, often around 30°C for many enzymes.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The specific region on an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What does specificity mean in relation to enzymes?

Back

The concept that each enzyme only catalyzes a specific reaction for a particular substrate.

Front

What is denaturation in enzymes?

Back

The process in which an enzyme loses its functional shape due to extreme conditions, such as high temperature or pH.

Front

What suffix do most enzymes have?

Back

-ase, indicating they are enzymes (e.g., lactase, amylase).

Front

How do enzymes affect activation energy?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Back

To increase the rate of reactions without being consumed in the process.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration.