B5 Enzymes

Question 1

What are enzymes

Answer 1

proteins that are
involved in all metabolic reactions, where they
function as biological catalysts

Question 2

Describe and explain enzyme action

Answer 2

Enzymes facilitate chemical reactions by binding to specific substrates at their active site, forming enzyme-substrate complexes that catalyze the conversion of substrates into products.

Question 3

Investigate and describe the effect of
changes in temperature and pH on enzyme
activity

Answer 3

Temperature alterations can initially enhance activity until denaturation occurs at extreme temperatures

pH changes can disrupt the enzyme’s active site structure, leading to decreased activity or denaturation when the pH deviates from the optimal range.

Question 4

Describe and explain the specificity of
enzymes in terms of the complementary
shape and fit of the active site with the
substrate

Answer 4

Enzyme specificity is due to the perfect fit between the enzyme’s active site and the substrate molecule, like a lock and key. This ensures that only the correct substrate can bind, facilitating precise biochemical reactions.

Question 5

Explain the effect of colder than optimum temperature

Answer 5

If the temperature is lower than optimum temperature then the active sites and substrates do not have enough energy causing less collisions which causes less complexes

Question 6

Explain the effect of changes in pH on
enzyme activity in terms of shape and fit and
denaturation

Answer 6

Changes in pH can affect enzyme activity by altering the shape and fit of the enzyme’s active site, leading to decreased activity or denaturation.