Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms.

Front

How do enzymes speed up chemical reactions?

Back

By decreasing the activation energy required for the reaction.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is a catalyst?

Back

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed.

Front

What does specificity mean in relation to enzymes?

Back

Each enzyme is specific to one substrate that fits its active site.

Front

What happens if an enzyme's active site is altered?

Back

The enzyme will no longer bind to its substrate.

Front

What is denaturation in enzymes?

Back

A process where an enzyme loses its functional shape, rendering it inactive.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration.

Front

What is the role of temperature in enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes have an optimal temperature range; too high or too low can reduce activity.