Enzymes

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells without being consumed in the process.

Front

Why are enzymes necessary for cellular reactions?

Back

Enzymes are necessary because they increase the reaction rate, allowing cellular processes to occur quickly enough to meet the needs of the cell.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

A substrate is any substance that is acted upon by an enzyme during a chemical reaction.

Front

What happens to the reaction rate when an appropriate enzyme is added?

Back

The reaction rate will increase.

Front

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

The enzyme-substrate complex is the temporary complex formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate.

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 factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Factors 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 a coenzyme?

Back

A coenzyme is a non-protein organic molecule that assists enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Front

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzyme activity typically increases with temperature up to a certain point, after which it may denature and lose activity.