B5 ENZYMES Flashcards
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are proteins that function as biological catalysts in metabolic reactions.
What does a biological catalyst do?
It speeds up chemical reactions without being used up.
Name three properties of enzymes
Made of protein
Why are enzymes specific?
Their active site fits only one type of substrate.
What happens to enzyme activity if pH is too high or too low?
Enzyme activity decreases.
What happens to an enzyme at extreme pH levels?
It denatures (loses its structure permanently).
What is meant by “optimum pH”?
The pH at which an enzyme works most efficiently.
What happens to enzymes if the temperature is too low?
They do not have enough energy
What happens if the temperature is too high?
The enzyme denatures and can no longer function.
What is the optimum temperature for enzymes in the human body?
37.5°C (body temperature).
