CB1 Enzymes Flashcards
What is an enzyme?
Biological catalyst that speeds up reactions
What is a substrate?
A molecule that is altered by an enzyme.
What is a product?
A molecule produced from a substrate by the action of an enzyme.
What is an active site?
The part of an enzyme that binds to its substrate
What is meant by describing the active site as specific?
Only one substrate is the right shape to fit into the active site.
What happens to an enzyme when it denatures?
The active site changes shape so that it is no longer able to bind its substrate.
What 2 environmental conditions can denature an enzyme?
pH, temperature (outside of the optimum)
What is meant by the optimum pH / temperature of an enzyme?
The pH / temperature at which the enzyme works fastest.
What chemical reaction does the enzyme amylase catalyse?
Amylase breaks down starch into sugars
What chemical reaction do the enzymes proteases catalyse?
Proteases convert proteins into amino acids
What chemical reaction do the enzymes lipases catalyse?
Lipases convert lipids into glycerol and fatty acids
How do you test for starch?
Iodine solution turns from brown to black
How can you tell when lipase has sucessfully catalysed the break down of lipids?
The pH will decrease because fatty acids have been produced
How do you calculate the rate of an enzymes activity?
amount of substance used up ÷ time
OR
amount of substance produced ÷ time
