Classwork # 1 - Enzymes

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

A substrate is the specific reactant that an enzyme acts upon in a biochemical reaction.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean for an enzyme to be specific?

Back

It means that an enzyme only works with molecules that are the right size and shape.

Front

What happens to an enzyme when it is denatured?

Back

It loses its shape and can no longer function properly.

Front

To which category of macromolecules do enzymes belong?

Back

Enzymes belong to the category of proteins.

Front

How do enzymes speed up reactions?

Back

Enzymes speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Front

What is activation energy?

Back

Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Factors include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

Front

What is an enzyme inhibitor?

Back

An enzyme inhibitor is a substance that decreases the activity of an enzyme.

Front

What is an enzyme activator?

Back

An enzyme activator is a substance that increases the activity of an enzyme.