Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms.

Front

What is the function of enzymes?

Back

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds.

Front

What does specificity mean in relation to enzymes?

Back

Each enzyme is specific to one substrate that fits its active site.

Front

What are products in a chemical reaction?

Back

The substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

What is a catalyst?

Back

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed.

Front

How does pH affect enzyme activity?

Back

Each enzyme has an optimum pH at which it is most active; deviations can reduce activity.

Front

What is the optimum temperature for enzyme activity?

Back

The temperature at which an enzyme's activity is highest, usually around 37°C for human enzymes.

Front

What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

Back

Enzymes can denature, losing their shape and function.