Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds.

Front

What is an enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

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

Front

What factors affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration.

Front

What is the optimum pH for most enzymes?

Back

Typically around neutral pH (7), but can vary depending on the enzyme.

Front

What happens to enzyme activity at extreme temperatures?

Back

Enzymes can denature, losing their shape and function.

Front

What is denaturation in enzymes?

Back

The process where an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure and function due to external factors.

Front

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzyme activity generally increases with temperature up to a certain point, after which it decreases.

Front

What is the role of cofactors in enzyme activity?

Back

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