Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean for an enzyme to denature?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its shape due to changes in pH or temperature, resulting in loss of function.

Front

What is the optimal temperature range for most human enzymes?

Back

Most human enzymes function optimally at around 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Front

What is the role of pH in enzyme activity?

Back

Each enzyme has an optimal pH range; deviations can lead to denaturation and reduced activity.

Front

What is the induced fit model of enzyme action?

Back

The induced fit model suggests that the enzyme changes shape slightly to better fit the substrate when they bind.

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, altering its function.

Front

What is activation energy?

Back

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Front

How do enzymes affect activation energy?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction, allowing it to proceed more quickly.

Front

What is the lock and key model of enzyme action?

Back

The lock and key model suggests that the enzyme's active site (the 'lock') is specifically shaped to fit a particular substrate (the 'key').