Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in biological processes.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What are products in a chemical reaction?

Back

The substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the primary function of enzymes?

Back

To speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy required.

Front

How do enzymes lower activation energy?

Back

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

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration.

Front

What is the optimal temperature for most human enzymes?

Back

Around 37°C (98.6°F), but this can vary for different enzymes.

Front

What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

Back

They can denature, losing their shape and functionality.

Front

What is enzyme denaturation?

Back

The process in which an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its activity.