Enzymes

Front

What is the 'induced fit' model of enzyme action?

Back

The 'induced fit' model describes how the active site of an enzyme changes shape slightly to better fit the substrate, enhancing the enzyme's ability to catalyze a reaction.

Front

What does it mean for an enzyme to be 'specific'?

Back

An enzyme is 'specific' if it can only catalyze a reaction with a certain substrate, meaning it has a unique active site that fits only that substrate.

Front

In the lock-and-key model, what fits into the active site of the enzyme?

Back

In the lock-and-key model, the substrate fits into the active site of the enzyme, similar to how a key fits into a lock.

Front

What is the suffix commonly used in the names of most enzymes?

Back

The suffix '-ase' is commonly used in the names of most enzymes, indicating their function.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, speeding up the reaction rate without being consumed in the process.

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 a substrate in the context of enzyme action?

Back

A substrate is the specific reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon during a biochemical reaction.

Front

How do temperature changes affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature changes can affect enzyme activity; generally, increasing temperature increases activity up to a point, after which the enzyme may denature and lose function.

Front

What is enzyme denaturation?

Back

Enzyme denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure due to extreme conditions, rendering it inactive.

Front

What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibitors?

Back

Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site of an enzyme, blocking substrate access, while non-competitive inhibitors bind to a different site, altering enzyme function without blocking the active site.