Ch 8 - Enzymes

Question 1

What is an enzyme?

Answer 1

Proteins that function as biological catalysts

Question 2

What is a catalyst?

Answer 2

A substance that lowers the amount of energy needed for a chemical reaction to occur

Question 3

What is activation energy?

Answer 3

The energy required for a chemical reaction to occur

Question 4

What is a substrate?

Answer 4

The substance being acted upon

Question 5

When substrate molecules combine with enzyme molecules that form a temporary _______.

Answer 5

Enzyme-substrate complex

Question 6

What is enzyme specificity?

Answer 6

Most enzymes are specific and catalyze reactions with only one or a few kinds of substrates and products—this lies in their shape and anything that changes the shape of the enzyme alters its ability to function

Question 7

When do enzymes function the best?

Answer 7

1. How many enzymes are present
2. Temperature
3. pH
4. Presence of inhabiters/activators

Question 8

What is catalase?

Answer 8

A widespread enzyme found in nearly all aerobic cells that protects cells from toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)