Enzymes and Their Functions

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process.

Front

What is the function of lactase?

Back

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, into glucose and galactose.

Front

What condition is caused by the lack of glucocerebrosidase production?

Back

Gaucher's disease is caused by the lack of glucocerebrosidase, leading to the accumulation of glucocerebroside.

Front

What is the role of amylase?

Back

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starches into sugars during digestion.

Front

What is pancreatitis?

Back

Pancreatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which can lead to a stoppage of enzyme production.

Front

What are the main enzymes produced by the pancreas?

Back

The pancreas produces several enzymes, including amylase (for starch digestion), lipase (for fat digestion), and proteases (for protein digestion).

Front

What is a substrate in enzymatic reactions?

Back

A substrate is the substance on which an enzyme acts. For example, lactose is the substrate for the enzyme lactase.

Front

What is the significance of enzyme specificity?

Back

Enzyme specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to choose exact substrate molecules. This is crucial for ensuring that the correct biochemical reactions occur.

Front

How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes have optimal temperature and pH ranges. Deviations can lead to decreased activity or denaturation, affecting their function.

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 site, reducing enzyme activity.