2.5 Enzymes Flashcards
What is an enzyme?
A globular protein which catalyzes chemical reactions; They can be reused.
What is the active site of an enzyme?
The region where the substrate molecule binds to the enzyme; requires perfect match to bind.
How does denaturation affect enzymes?
High temperatures and extreme pH can disrupt the tertiary structures of the enzyme, so the enzyme will no longer be able to bind to the substrate.
How do enzymes catalyze reactions?
They lower the activation energy of the reaction.
What factors affect the activity of enzymes?
Temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.
How does temperature affect the activity of enzymes?
Low temp = insufficient thermal energy for catalyst reaction
High temp = increase speed, resulting in higher activity, but stability decreases and hydrogen bonds are disrupted –> potential denaturation
How does pH affect the activity of enzymes?
It alters the enzyme charge, solubility, and shape, causing its substrate-binding abilities to diminish.
How does substrate concentration affect the activity of enzymes?
Increased substrate concentration = increase activity of corresponding enzyme
This activity eventually reaches a Vmax level where the reaction rate is constant.
What are immobilized enzymes?
Enzymes that attach to a stationary substance to improve efficiency of a catalysed reaction.
How are immobilized enzymes used IRL?
Lactose-free milk:
Treating milk with lactase enzyme, which becomes an immobilized enzyme
