Enzymes

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms, primarily composed of proteins.

Front

What is the optimum pH for most enzymes?

Back

The optimum pH varies for different enzymes, but many enzymes function best at a neutral pH of around 7, while others, like pepsin, work best in acidic conditions (pH 1.5-2.0).

Front

What happens to an enzyme when it is denatured?

Back

When an enzyme is denatured, its three-dimensional structure is altered, causing it to lose its active site shape and, consequently, its ability to catalyze reactions.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is a specific region on the enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

The enzyme-substrate complex is formed when a substrate binds to the active site of an enzyme, allowing the reaction to occur.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Factors that can affect enzyme activity include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

Front

What is an inhibitor in the context of enzymes?

Back

An inhibitor is a substance that decreases the activity of an enzyme by binding to it and preventing substrate binding or altering its function.

Front

What is a cofactor?

Back

A cofactor is a non-protein molecule that assists enzymes in catalyzing reactions, often by helping to stabilize the enzyme or substrate.

Front

What role do enzymes play in digestion?

Back

Enzymes break down complex food molecules into simpler substances that can be absorbed by the body, such as proteins into amino acids.

Front

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Back

Increasing temperature generally increases enzyme activity up to a certain point (optimum temperature), beyond which the enzyme may denature and lose function.