Proteins and Enzymes

Front

What is a protein?

Back

A protein is a large, complex molecule made up of amino acids that performs a variety of functions in the body, including catalyzing biochemical reactions, providing structure, and regulating processes.

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

An enzyme is a type of protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in biological processes without being consumed in the reaction.

Front

What is a substrate in enzymatic reactions?

Back

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

Front

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of catalase?

Back

Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Front

What is a catalyst?

Back

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent chemical change itself.

Front

Why can one enzyme molecule catalyze many substrate molecules?

Back

One enzyme molecule can catalyze many substrate molecules because it is not used up during the reaction.

Front

What is the optimum pH for salivary amylase?

Back

The optimum pH for salivary amylase is 6.

Front

What happens to enzymes at extreme pH levels?

Back

Extreme pH levels can denature enzymes, altering their structure and rendering them inactive.

Front

What is denaturation in proteins?

Back

Denaturation is the process in which proteins lose their native structure due to external stress or conditions, such as heat or pH changes.