Body Systems: Digestion (Enzymes) Flashcards
The human body functions at what temperature?
37 degrees Celsius.
What do proteins do when they are in contact with too much heat?
Denature (change shape and stop working).
What are catalysts?
Enzymes are catalysts that speed up the rate of reaction in your body without increasing the temperature.
Can catalysts be used again?
Yes.
What are enzymes?
Proteins that are specialized for specific tasks. Ex) sucrase breaks down sucrose, lipases break down lipids.
What do all chemical reactions in living organisms need to work?
Enzymes.
Enzymes:
Build molecules (synthesis), break down molecules (digestion), speed up reactions (catalysts).
What is activation energy?
The energy needed for reactants to form a product. This is so chemical bonds can be changed.
What reduces the reactions activation energy?
Enzymes.
What is a substrate?
The molecule on which an enzyme works. Each substrate combines to a specific enzyme and are changed during the reaction as a product is formed.
What is an active site?
The area that joins the enzyme with the substrate molecule. Each enzyme has a specially shaped active site.
What is an enzyme-substrate complex?
When an enzyme joins with the substrate.
What happens to enzymes when your body temperature is too high?
Bonds are too weak to maintain enzyme shape.
What happens to enzymes when your body temperature is too low?
Bonds are not flexible to allow the substrate to fit properly.
What pH do humans function on?
6-8.