Biochemistry

Question 1

How many amino acids act as building blocks for proteins?

Answer 1

20 different amino acids

Question 2

How do amino acids bind?

Answer 2

They bind by means of peptide bonds

Question 3

What organisms can produce their own amino acids

Answer 3

Bacteria and plants can produce their own amino acids. Animals can only produce some simple amino acids

Question 4

What does heat/ cold do to proteins

Answer 4

Heat or pH changes cause a protein to denature. Low temperature causes proteins to become inactive.

Question 5

What are enzymes

Answer 5

Enzymes are biological catalyst that start or accelerate biochemical reactions

Question 6

Optimum temperature for enzymes

Answer 6

Is 37°C in the human body

Question 7

What are co-enzymes/ co- factors

Answer 7

Some enzymes need non-protein parts in order to perform their functions. The protein part is the apo-enzyme, and the non-protein part is the co-factor

Question 8

Enzymes in our daily lives

Answer 8

• removal of sticky glue
• food and beverages
• leather
• biodegradable plastic
• detergents
• textiles