3A: Introducing enzymes Flashcards
Enzyme
An organic molecule typically a protein, that catalyses specific reacitons.
Catalyst
A substance capable of increasing the rate of a reaction without being used up.
Catalyse
To increase the rate of a reaction
Substrate
The reactant of a reaction catalysed by an enzyme.
Reactant
A molecule that undergoes a transformation into a product. When enzymes are involved, the reactant is called a substrate.
Product
The transformed molecule created in a reaction.
Active site
The part of an enzyme where the substrate binds.
Enzyme-substrate complex
The structure formed when an enzyme and substrate are bound together.
Conformational change
A change in the three-dimensional shape of macromolecules such as proteins.
Activation energy
The energy required to initiate a reaction.
Biochemical pathway
A series of enzyme-catalysed biochemical reactions n which the product of one reaction becomes the substrate of the next reaction. AKA metabolic pathway.
Exergonic
A reaction that releases energy.
- All catabolic reactions are exergonic
Endergonic
A reaction that absorbs energy.
- All anabolic reactions are endergonic
