Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

What is the optimum pH for salivary amylase?

Back

6.2

Front

What two factors most affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature and pH.

Front

Why are enzymes essential for life?

Back

They speed up all the chemical reactions in living things.

Front

What enzyme breaks down starch (amylose)?

Back

Amylase.

Front

What happens to enzyme activity at extreme pH levels?

Back

Enzymes do not function well at pH values that are too high or too low.

Front

What is the role of temperature in enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature affects the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; too high or too low temperatures can denature enzymes.

Front

What is denaturation in enzymes?

Back

The process where an enzyme loses its structure and function due to extreme conditions.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The specific region where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule upon which an enzyme acts.