Enzymes

Front

What is the function of amylase?

Back

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starches, specifically amylose, into simpler sugars.

Front

What does it mean when an enzyme is denatured?

Back

Denaturation of an enzyme means that the shape of the active site is changed, causing it to no longer function.

Front

In the lock-and-key model of enzyme action, what fits into the active site?

Back

The substrate fits into the active site of the enzyme.

Front

What two factors most affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature and pH are the two factors that most affect enzyme activity.

Front

What type of macromolecule are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are a type of protein.

Front

What is the role of the active site in an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the region of the enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Front

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Back

Increased temperature generally increases enzyme activity up to a certain point, after which the enzyme may denature.

Front

What is the effect of pH on enzyme activity?

Back

Each enzyme has an optimal pH range; deviations from this range can reduce enzyme activity or denature the enzyme.

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzymes?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibition?

Back

Competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site, while non-competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor binds to a different part of the enzyme.