Enzyme Structure & Function

What is the primary function of enzymes in biological systems?

• To speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy

• To provide structural support

• To store genetic information

• To regulate body temperature

Describe the structure of an enzyme and how it relates to its function.

• The structure of an enzyme includes an active site where substrates bind and undergo a reaction. This active site has a specific shape that complements the shape of the substrate molecules, allowing for precise binding and catalysis.

• Enzymes do not have a specific shape that complements substrate molecules

• The structure of an enzyme is determined by the temperature of its environment

• Enzymes have a linear structure with no specific active site

Explain the concept of enzyme-substrate specificity.

• Enzyme-substrate specificity is random and not based on any specific factors.

• Enzyme-substrate specificity is the ability of an enzyme to select its substrate based on the unique shape and chemical properties of the enzyme's active site.

• Enzyme-substrate specificity is solely determined by the size of the enzyme.

• Enzyme-substrate specificity is not influenced by the chemical properties of the substrate.

What is an active site in an enzyme and why is it important?

• The active site in an enzyme is where products are released, not affecting the enzyme's function.

• The active site in an enzyme is a passive area that does not interact with substrates.

• The active site in an enzyme is only important for stabilizing the enzyme's structure, not for catalyzing reactions.

• The active site in an enzyme is where substrates bind and undergo a chemical reaction, determining the enzyme's specificity.

Discuss the role of cofactors and coenzymes in enzyme function.

• Cofactors and coenzymes are essential for enzyme function as they assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions. Cofactors are inorganic ions or molecules, while coenzymes are organic molecules that help enzymes by transferring chemical groups or electrons. They can be tightly bound to the enzyme or act as temporary carriers of chemical groups. Overall, cofactors and coenzymes play a crucial role in enzyme activity and are necessary for many biological processes.

• Cofactors and coenzymes hinder enzyme activity instead of assisting

• Cofactors and coenzymes are not involved in enzyme function

• Cofactors are organic molecules, while coenzymes are inorganic ions

How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?

• Temperature and pH have no impact on enzyme activity

• Temperature and pH can denature enzymes, affecting their activity. Optimal conditions are required for enzymes to function effectively.

• Extreme temperature and pH always enhance enzyme activity

• Enzymes are not affected by temperature or pH

What is enzyme inhibition and how does it impact enzyme function?

• Enzyme inhibition only affects non-essential metabolic pathways

• Enzyme inhibition impacts enzyme function by reducing the rate of catalysis, ultimately affecting the overall metabolic pathways in which the enzyme is involved.

• Enzyme inhibition has no impact on enzyme function

• Enzyme inhibition increases the rate of catalysis

Compare and contrast competitive and non-competitive inhibition.

• Competitive inhibition involves binding to the active site, while non-competitive inhibition involves competition for a different site on the enzyme.

• Competitive inhibition involves competition for the active site, while non-competitive inhibition involves binding to a different site on the enzyme.

• Competitive inhibition is irreversible, while non-competitive inhibition is reversible.

• Competitive inhibition enhances enzyme activity, while non-competitive inhibition reduces enzyme activity.

Explain the process of enzyme regulation in cells.

• Enzyme regulation does not involve post-translational modifications

• Enzyme regulation is not influenced by gene expression

• Enzyme regulation is solely controlled by competitive inhibition

• Enzyme regulation in cells involves controlling the activity of enzymes to maintain optimal cellular function through mechanisms like allosteric regulation, competitive and non-competitive inhibition, post-translational modifications, and gene expression regulation.

Provide an example of an enzyme and its specific function in the body.

• Pepsin - Breaks down fats into fatty acids

• Trypsin - Breaks down nucleic acids into nucleotides

• Lipase - Breaks down proteins into amino acids

• Amylase - Breaks down carbohydrates into sugars