Enzyme Structure and Function Flashcards
Explain the significance of reaction coupling in living systems
When ATP is hydrolyzed, it splits into ADP, phosphate, and energy from the bonds, and this catabolic reaction can be used to power anabolic reactions
What is a catalyst?
A chemical substance that accelerates a reaction without being consumed in the overall course of the reaction
What is an enzyme?
Proteins that catalyze chemical reactions
How do enzymes catalyze chemical reactions?
Make sure molecules hit each other in the right direction, points molecules in the right direction so they face each other, and holds molecules in a specific way to add stress
Are enzymes specific to the reaction they catalyze?
Yes, enzymes are highly selective catalysts
What is activation energy?
The amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction
How do enzymes affect activation energy?
Enzymes lower activation energy
Why does the activation energy of many living systems need to be reduced for living systems to function?
Decreasing activation energy increases the likeliness of a reaction
Describe the “lock-and-key” model of enzyme function
Enzymes have specific shapes that can only bind with substrates with specific shapes and they fit perfectly together
Describe “induced fit” model of enzyme function
Enzyme changes shape slightly once substate is bound to accommodate/slightly engulf it
How does substrate concentration affect enzyme structure and function?
At a lower concentration, structure will not change but rate of reaction will be slower; at a higher concentration, the rate of reaction will increase
How does temperature affect enzyme structure and function?
Enzymes will denature when not in their ideal temperature
How does pH affect enzyme structure and function?
Enzymes will denature outside the ideal pH range
How does salt concentration affect enzyme structure and function?
Enzymes will denature outside of the ideal salt concentration range
How do cofactors and coenzymes affect enzyme structure and function?
They bind to enzymes and change/stabilize its structure so it has an optimal structure and functions properly; could prevent inhibitors from coming onto enzyme
