Enzymes: Nature's Factory Workers

The video explains enzymes, proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy. Enzymes are highly specific, recognizing substrates like a lock and key. They facilitate reactions by binding substrates at active sites, sometimes causing induced fits. Enzymes can break down or build molecules, with types including hydrolases, lyases, ligases, transferases, isomerases, and oxidoreductases. Enzyme mechanisms may involve covalent linkage or acid-base catalysis, often requiring cofactors or coenzymes. Enzymes are crucial for biological processes, enabling reactions under physiological conditions.

What is the primary role of enzymes in the body?

• To provide energy for reactions

• To change the pH of reactions

• To lower the activation energy of reactions

• To increase the temperature of reactions

How do enzymes recognize their specific substrates?

• By the color of the substrate

• By the size and shape of the substrate

• By the pH level of the substrate

• By the temperature of the substrate

What is the term used to describe the specific area where a substrate binds on an enzyme?

• Binding site

• Catalytic site

• Active site

• Reaction site

What does the enzyme lactase break down?

• Glucose

• Fructose

• Sucrose

• Lactose

Which type of enzyme joins two molecules together?

• Ligase

• Lyase

• Hydrolase

• Transferase

What is the role of cofactors in enzyme activity?

• They change the pH of the reaction

• They are necessary for the enzyme to function

• They provide the substrate for the reaction

• They increase the temperature of the reaction

Which enzyme category is responsible for transferring electrons between molecules?

• Ligase

• Transferase

• Oxidoreductase

• Isomerase