Animal tissues, organs and organ systems ENZYMES B2

Question 1

What is the link between enzymes and metabolism

Answer 1

Enzymes are proteins that help speed up metabolism, or the chemical reactions in our bodies.

Question 2

How does temperature impact enzyme action

Answer 2

At low temperatures, the number of successful collisions between the
enzyme
and
substrate
is reduced because their
molecular movement
decreases.

Question 3

What is the substrate

Answer 3

A substance on which enzymes act. – the molecule or molecules taking part in the chemical reaction – fits into the active site.

Question 4

Each enzyme has a region called an active site; what is meant by the active site

Answer 4

The part of the enzyme to which a specific substrate can attach or fit on to.

Question 5

What are proteins?

Answer 5

chains of amino acids joined end to end. This chain is not straight – it twists and folds as different amino acids in the chain are attracted to, or repel each other.

Question 6

What are enzymes made from and why do they have their own unique shape?

Answer 6

Each enzyme is made from proteins made of these twisting and folding amino acids, and therefore the enzyme has a unique shape. This structure is held together by weak forces between the amino acid molecules in the chain.

Question 7

What is the impact of high temperatures on enzyme action

Answer 7

Heat will break the weak bonds between amino acid chains, altering the shape of the enzyme and its active site, meaning the substrate can no longer bind to it, (as it doesn’t fit) slowing down the rate of reaction or stopping it completely.

Question 8

What is the impact of ph on an enzyme?

Answer 8

Changing the pH will affect the charges on the amino acid molecules. Amino acids that attracted each other may no longer. Again, the shape of the enzyme, along with its active site, will change. Extremes of ph can denature the enzyme