Enzymes

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in chemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, making it easier for the reaction to take place.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

A substrate is any substance that is acted upon by an enzyme.

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 type of enzyme breaks down proteins?

Back

Protease is the enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids.

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 are coenzymes?

Back

Coenzymes are non-protein molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Front

How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes have optimal temperature and pH ranges; deviations can lead to decreased activity or denaturation.

Front

What is enzyme denaturation?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its functional shape due to extreme conditions, rendering it inactive.

Front

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

Back

Competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site, while non-competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor binds to a different site, altering enzyme function.