Unit 1: The Chemistry of LIfe

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in cells by lowering the activation energy.

Front

What is activation energy?

Back

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

Front

How do enzymes affect the activation energy of a reaction?

Back

Enzymes decrease the activation energy, allowing reactions to occur more easily.

Front

What is a substrate in relation to enzymes?

Back

The specific reactant that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

Why are multiple enzymes needed in a cell?

Back

Different enzymes are needed to catalyze different reactions, as each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate.

Front

What are lipids?

Back

Macromolecules that store energy, insulate the body, and make up cell membranes.

Front

What is the optimum pH for an enzyme?

Back

The pH at which an enzyme is most active and efficient.

Front

How do temperature changes affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzyme activity typically increases with temperature up to a certain point, after which it can denature and lose function.

Front

What role do enzymes play in metabolism?

Back

Enzymes facilitate biochemical reactions that are essential for metabolism, including digestion and energy production.