AP Biology Unit 3 Enzymes

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions in biological systems.

Front

What role do vitamins and minerals play in enzyme activity?

Back

Vitamins and minerals act as activators that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Front

Can enzymes be reused?

Back

Yes, enzymes can be used again and again after catalyzing a reaction.

Front

What does it mean for an enzyme to be specific?

Back

Specificity means that each enzyme only catalyzes one specific substrate that fits its active site.

Front

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature can affect the rate of reaction; if the temperature is too low, it can decrease the rate by changing the shape of the protein.

Front

What is the optimum temperature for enzyme activity?

Back

The optimum temperature is the temperature at which an enzyme's activity is at its highest.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

A substrate is the specific reactant that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the region on the enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

Front

What is a catalyst?

Back

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Front

What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

Back

At high temperatures, enzymes can denature, losing their shape and functionality.