Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

Front

What is a catalyst?

Back

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

Front

What are enzymes composed of?

Back

Amino acids.

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 where the substrate binds to the enzyme.

Front

What happens to enzymes after a reaction?

Back

They can be reused for subsequent reactions.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.

Front

What is the role of temperature in enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes have an optimal temperature range; too high or too low can denature the enzyme.

Front

What is denaturation in enzymes?

Back

The process where an enzyme loses its functional shape due to external stress, rendering it inactive.