Enzymes and Protein Structure

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzyme activity?

Back

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

Front

What distinguishes one amino acid from another?

Back

The R group (side chain) of the amino acid.

Front

What occurs to an enzyme when it is heated beyond its optimum temperature?

Back

The enzyme denatures, losing its functional shape.

Front

How do enzymes speed up chemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur.

Front

What is the optimal temperature for enzyme activity?

Back

The temperature at which an enzyme exhibits maximum activity.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is denaturation in enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its activity.

Front

What are the two main types of enzyme inhibitors?

Back

Competitive inhibitors and non-competitive inhibitors.

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 the significance of enzyme specificity?

Back

Enzyme specificity ensures that enzymes catalyze only specific reactions, preventing unwanted side reactions.