Academic Block: Enzymes

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

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

Front

Which category of macromolecules do enzymes belong to?

Back

Proteins.

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzymes?

Back

A substrate is the reactant molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

Front

What happens to an enzyme when it is denatured?

Back

It loses its shape and, consequently, its ability to function.

Front

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

The enzyme-substrate complex is the temporary complex formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate.

Front

What do enzymes do in biological reactions?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions, allowing them to occur more easily.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

Front

What is an inhibitor in enzyme activity?

Back

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

Front

What is an activator in enzyme activity?

Back

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