Enzyme Function and Characteristics

Front

What is competitive inhibition?

Back

A situation where a molecule competes with the substrate for the active site of an enzyme, preventing the substrate from binding.

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Front

What does 'induced fit' mean in enzyme activity?

Back

The process where the enzyme changes shape to better fit the substrates, enhancing the reaction.

Front

What determines the shape of an enzyme?

Back

The amino acid sequence of the protein and the properties of the amino acids that make up the protein.

Front

What is an inhibitor?

Back

A substance that can bind to an enzyme and prevent the substrate from binding.

Front

What is the role of the active site in an enzyme?

Back

The region of the enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

Front

What is allosteric regulation?

Back

A process where an effector molecule binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, causing a change in shape and activity.

Front

What is non-competitive inhibition?

Back

A type of inhibition where an inhibitor binds to an enzyme regardless of whether the substrate is bound, reducing the enzyme's activity.

Front

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes have an optimal temperature range; too high or too low temperatures can denature the enzyme or slow down the reaction.

Front

What is the effect of pH on enzyme activity?

Back

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