Section 3 - Macromolecules and Enzymes

Front

What are macromolecules?

Back

Large, complex molecules that are essential for life, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is the primary function of lipids in animal tissues?

Back

Lipids function in insulation, helping animals conserve heat.

Front

What factors affect the efficiency of an enzyme?

Back

Temperature, pH, and the amount of enzyme present.

Front

Why do enzymes only work with specific substrates?

Back

Each substrate has a specific activation site for enzyme attachment.

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A type of protein that speeds up metabolic reactions without being permanently changed or destroyed.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts, lowering the activation energy required for reactions to occur.

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzyme activity?

Back

The specific reactant that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is the significance of the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the region where the substrate binds, allowing the enzyme to catalyze the reaction.

Front

How do temperature changes affect enzyme activity?

Back

Extreme temperatures can denature enzymes, altering their shape and reducing their activity.

Front

What is denaturation in relation to enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its functional shape due to external factors like heat or pH.