Enzyme Flashcards
Define biological catalyst
speed up chemical reactions that otherwise would occur slowly at the temperature in cells
Define EA
minimum amount of energy needed to break bonds in order to convert substances into products and start the reaction
Define active site
Precise 3D shape includes a dent in the surface used for a catalytic function
Define enzyme- substrate complex
substrates form temporary bonds with amino acids of the active site creating an enzyme substrate complex
Define lock and key theory
substrates fits into a specific enzyme just like a key is specific to a lock therefore a substrate is likened to a key which fits into the enzyme which is the lock which is known as the lock and key theory. Each enzyme will only catalyse once.
Define induced fit theory
Active site is often flexible
Enzyme slightly changes when substrate enters active site to fit more closely around it
Slight change of shape enables reaction
How do enzymes lower EA?
Attraction of oppositely charged groups may distort the shape of substrate and assist in breaking of bonds or formation of new bonds
Inside cells enzymes can be free or attached to membrane
Large substrates broken in catabolic reactions
Could be anabolic