Macromolecules and enzymes

Front

What is a macromolecule?

Back

A macromolecule is a large, complex molecule, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, that are essential for life.

Front

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Back

The four main types of macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is the function of enzymes in biological reactions?

Back

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

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzyme activity?

Back

A substrate is the reactant molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

How do enzymes affect the activation energy of a reaction?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy, making it easier for the reaction to occur.

Front

What is the lock and key model of enzyme action?

Back

The lock and key model describes how a specific substrate fits into the active site of an enzyme, similar to how a key fits into a lock.

Front

What are monosaccharides?

Back

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose.

Front

What are the building blocks of proteins?

Back

The building blocks of proteins are amino acids.

Front

What is the role of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Back

Carbohydrates provide energy, serve as structural components, and are involved in cell recognition.