Enzymes and transport

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required.

Front

What is the role of substrates in enzyme reactions?

Back

Substrates are the reactants that enzymes act upon to produce products.

Front

What happens to an enzyme when it denatures?

Back

It loses its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its functionality, often due to extreme pH or temperature.

Front

How do enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction?

Back

By stabilizing the transition state and providing an alternative reaction pathway.

Front

What is the difference between active transport and passive transport?

Back

Active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not.

Front

What is the significance of pH in enzyme activity?

Back

Each enzyme has an optimal pH range where it functions best; deviations can lead to denaturation.

Front

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

A temporary complex formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate, facilitating the conversion to products.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically down their concentration gradient.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

Front

What is the function of carrier proteins in active transport?

Back

Carrier proteins help transport substances across the cell membrane by changing shape, often requiring energy.