Enzymes and Macromolecules

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is a product in a chemical reaction?

Back

The substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

How do enzymes affect the activation energy of a reaction?

Back

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

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration.

Front

What is the optimal temperature for most human enzymes?

Back

Around 37°C (98.6°F), which is the normal body temperature.

Front

What happens to an enzyme after it catalyzes a reaction?

Back

The enzyme is not consumed and can be used again for subsequent reactions.

Front

What are macromolecules?

Back

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

Front

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Back

Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.