Biomolecules and Enzymes Flashcards
Monomer
the basic unit of biomolecules
Carbohydrates
made of monomers called glucose, its function is energy source for cellular functions. e.g. glucose, fructose
Protein
made of monomers called amino acids, its function is structural such as collagen and transport substances such as the hemoglobin.
Lipids
made of fatty acids and glycerol, its functions is in the cell membrane and long-term energy storage. e.g. phospholipids, cholesterol.
Nucleic Acids
made up of nucleotides, its function is that it contains genetic code and aids in protein synthesis. e.g. RNA, DNA
Enzymes
biological catalysts and proteins.
Enzyme Structure
their specific shape allows them to bond with a specific substrate, forming an enzyme - substrate complex.
Active Site
the specific place where the substrate binds to the enzyme.
Enzyme Function
they convert substrate into end products. As the enzyme is unchanged by the reaction it can be used again, so is only required in small amounts.
Substrate
binds with enzymes and its function is to undergo a chemical transformation, facilitated by the enzyme, to form a product, thereby enabling essential metabolic processes in the body.
Induced Fit Model
shows an enzyme will alter its shape upon binding with the substrate to catalyze the reaction.
Lock and Key Model
suggests that an enzyme and its substrate fit together exactly like a key in a specific lock
Factors Effecting Enzyme Function
temperature, pH, inhibotrs and substrate concentration
Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Function
increasing temperatures leads to more collisions thus increasing reaction speed, but too high will denature the enzymes.
Effect of pH on Enzyme Function
pH influences enzyme shape which and if pH is outside of its optimal range the enzyme becomes denatured.
Denaturation
occurs when bonds holding the specific shape of the enzyme are damaged, meaning it can no longer fit with its substrate
Inhibition
the process of blocking enzyme activity with a molecule called an inhibitor. 2 types of enzymes inhibitors: competitive and non-competitive
Competitive Inhibitors
competes with the substrate for the enzymes active site
Non-Competitive Inhibitors
binds to the enzymes elsewhere, changing its shape so the active site does not fit the substrate.
Effect of Substrate Concentration on Enzyme Function
increasing SC will increase the reaction rate until all enzyme active sites are at maximum capacity. This is called saturation point
