Enzyme Function and Characteristics

Front

What enzyme breaks down the starch amylose?

Back

Amylase is the enzyme that breaks down the starch amylose.

Front

How does temperature affect enzyme function?

Back

Enzymes can denature at high temperatures, losing their functional shape.

Front

What does it mean for an enzyme to denature?

Back

Denaturation is a change in the shape of a protein (such as an enzyme) caused by changes in temperature or pH.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the region of an enzyme that attaches to a substrate.

Front

What is the optimum pH for salivary amylase?

Back

The optimum pH for salivary amylase is 6.2.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Factors include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration.

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzymes?

Back

A substrate is the substance on which an enzyme acts.

Front

What happens to enzyme activity at very high temperatures?

Back

Enzyme activity typically decreases as high temperatures can lead to denaturation.

Front

What is the relationship between enzyme concentration and reaction rate?

Back

Increasing enzyme concentration generally increases the reaction rate, provided substrate is available.