3A - Introduction to Enzymes Flashcards
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 in which the product of one reaction becomes the substrate of the next reaction. AKA metabolic pathway.
anabolic
A type of endergonic reaction where two or more smaller molecules combine to form a larger one.
catabolic
A type of exergonic reaction where a larger molecule is broken down into two or more smaller molecules.
exergonic
A type of reaction where energy is released.
endergonic
A type of reaction where energy is absorbed.
