Enzymes

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the specific region on an enzyme where substrates bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Front

What does it mean for an enzyme to be substrate specific?

Back

Enzymes are substrate specific because their active sites are shaped to fit only specific substrates, similar to a key fitting into a lock.

Front

What suffix do most enzymes have?

Back

Most enzymes typically end with the suffix '-ase', indicating their function.

Front

What happens to enzymes at high temperatures, such as 40 degrees Celsius?

Back

At high temperatures, enzymes can denature, meaning they lose their functional shape and activity.

Front

What is the 'lock and key' model in enzyme activity?

Back

The 'lock and key' model describes how the enzyme (lock) and substrate (key) fit together perfectly to facilitate a reaction.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Factors that can affect enzyme activity include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration.

Front

What is denaturation in the context of enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its functionality due to extreme conditions.

Front

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes generally have an optimal temperature range where they function best; outside this range, their activity can decrease or they may denature.

Front

What role does pH play in enzyme activity?

Back

Each enzyme has an optimal pH range; deviations from this range can lead to decreased activity or denaturation.

Front

What is a substrate in enzymatic reactions?

Back

A substrate is the reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon during a chemical reaction.