Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms.

Front

How do enzymes speed up reactions?

Back

By lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is a catalyst?

Back

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed.

Front

What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

Back

They can denature, meaning their shape is altered and they can no longer function properly.

Front

What is denaturation?

Back

The process in which an enzyme's structure is altered, affecting its function.

Front

What is the optimal temperature for enzyme activity?

Back

The temperature at which an enzyme works most efficiently.

Front

What is the effect of pH on enzyme activity?

Back

Each enzyme has an optimal pH range; deviations can lead to decreased activity or denaturation.

Front

What is enzyme specificity?

Back

The concept that each enzyme only catalyzes a specific reaction or type of reaction.