B5 Enzymes Flashcards
What are enzymes?
They are proteins that catalyse (speed up) reactions.
What is the lock and key theory?
1) the enzyme’s active site is a specific shape.
2) the enzyme will only catalyse a specific reaction the substrate fits into its active site.
3) at the active site, enzymes can break molecules down into smaller ones or bind smaller molecules together to form larger ones.
4) when the products have been released, the enzyme’s active site can accept another substrate molecule.
What happens to enzymes at very high temperatures or extreme pHs?
The enzyme active site can change, causing the substrate no longer being able to bind to the active site.
What do you call it when an enzyme can no longer catalyse the reaction?
The enzyme has been denatured.
What do digestive enzymes do?
They convert food into small soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the blood stream.
What do carbohydrases do?
They break down carbohydrates into simple sugars.
What are the sites of production for amylase?
•salivary glands
•pancreas
•small intestine
What does amylase do?
Turns starch into glucose.
What are the sites of production for proteases?
•stomach
•pancreas
•small intestine
What does proteases do?
Turn proteins into amino acids.
What are the sites of production for lipases?
•pancreas
•small intestine
What do lipases do?
Turn lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
Do enzymes have different optimum pH values?
Yes, this allows enzymes to be adapted to work well in environments with different pH values.
What is the optimum pH for protease?
pH2 (stomach acid)
What is the optimum pH for amylase?
pH 7 (natural saliva)
