AP Bio Energy and Enzymes

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living cells by lowering the activation energy.

Front

How do enzymes increase the rate of a chemical reaction?

Back

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

Front

What is activation energy?

Back

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Front

What happens to enzyme activity at high temperatures?

Back

Enzyme activity declines due to denaturation.

Front

What is denaturation?

Back

The process in which an enzyme loses its functional shape due to high temperature or extreme pH.

Front

What is the optimal temperature for enzyme activity?

Back

The temperature at which an enzyme works best, often around 30°C for many enzymes.

Front

What is an inhibitor in the context of enzymes?

Back

A substance that decreases the activity of an enzyme by preventing substrate binding.

Front

How does a competitive inhibitor affect enzyme activity?

Back

It competes with the substrate for binding to the active site.

Front

What is an endergonic reaction?

Back

A reaction that absorbs energy from its surroundings.

Front

What is an exergonic reaction?

Back

A reaction that releases energy to its surroundings.