The Chemical Basis for Life (Online)

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Front

What does it mean for an enzyme to be specific?

Back

It means that the enzyme can only catalyze a reaction with a certain molecule.

Front

How does the structure of an enzyme relate to its function?

Back

The enzyme's shape complements the substrate's shape, allowing it to catalyze specific reactions.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in metabolism?

Back

Enzymes increase the rate of the chemical reactions carried out during metabolism.

Front

Why is water considered a universal solvent?

Back

Water is able to dissolve many substances due to its polar nature.

Front

What property of water helps stabilize temperatures in lakes and oceans?

Back

Water can absorb large amounts of heat without significantly changing its temperature.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of water's high specific heat?

Back

It allows water to absorb and release heat without drastic temperature changes, stabilizing environments.

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzyme activity?

Back

The specific reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is the effect of temperature on enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes typically have an optimal temperature range; too high or too low can reduce their activity.