Enzyme Reaction Graphs

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in biological processes.

Front

What is the role of pH in enzyme activity?

Back

pH affects the shape and charge of the enzyme and substrate, influencing the enzyme's ability to bind to the substrate.

Front

What does a steep incline in an enzyme reaction graph indicate?

Back

A rapid increase in the rate of reaction as substrate concentration increases.

Front

What does a plateau in an enzyme reaction graph signify?

Back

The enzyme is saturated with substrate, and the reaction rate has reached its maximum.

Front

What is the optimal temperature for most human enzymes?

Back

Around 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Front

What happens to enzyme activity at extreme temperatures?

Back

Enzymes can denature, losing their shape and functionality, leading to decreased activity.

Front

What is enzyme denaturation?

Back

The process where an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure due to external stress, such as extreme pH or temperature.

Front

What is the significance of enzyme-substrate specificity?

Back

Enzymes are specific to their substrates, meaning each enzyme only catalyzes a particular reaction.

Front

What is a competitive inhibitor?

Back

A substance that competes with the substrate for the active site of the enzyme, reducing enzyme activity.

Front

What is a non-competitive inhibitor?

Back

A substance that binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, altering the enzyme's function.