Macromolecules and enzymes

Front

What are macromolecules?

Back

Large, complex molecules that are essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

Front

What is a product in a chemical reaction?

Back

The substance that is produced as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

Define activation energy.

Back

The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Front

What is the lock and key model of enzyme action?

Back

A model that explains how enzymes and substrates fit together perfectly, like a key fits into a lock.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

Front

What is an enzyme's active site?

Back

The specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

Front

How do temperature changes affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes have an optimal temperature range; too high or too low temperatures can denature the enzyme or reduce its activity.

Front

What is denaturation in the context of enzymes?

Back

The process in which an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its function due to extreme conditions.