1. Metabolic Pathways and their Control - Enzyme Action

Question 1

What does enzymes being flexible and dynamic in shape allow?

Answer 1

Their activity to be controlled

Question 2

What does the affinity of substrate molecules for the active site determine?

Answer 2

the rate of reaction

Question 3

What is induced fit?

Answer 3

When substrate binds with active site does the enzyme change shape to fit around the substrate - and only then does catalysis occur

Question 4

What is the role of the active site? (3 points)

Answer 4

1. It orientates the reactants so that they are aligned correctly relative to one another
2. it lowers the activation energy of the transition state
3. it releases the products as they have a low affinity for the active site

Question 5

What is the effect of substrate and end product concentrations?

Answer 5

Most metabolic reactions are reversible so the relative concentrations of the substrate and end product often determine the direction and rate of the reaction. High substrate concentration or the removal of the product will drive the reaction in a forward direction.

Question 6

What is an example of enzymes working in groups?

Answer 6

DNA polymerase is part of a multi-enzyme complex