Enzymes Flashcards
what is an enzyme?
a protein that acts as a biological catalyst
what is protein?
A long organic molecule which contains carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen. Sometimes known as a polypeptide.
what is a substrate?
The reactant on which an enzyme works.
what is the pH scale?
scale with values from 0 to 14, used to measure the concentration of H+ ions in a solution; a pH of 0 to 7 is acidic, a pH of 7 is neutral, and a pH of 7 to 14 is basic
what does complementary mean?
fitting together well - an enzyme will bind with a complementary substrate (one that fits the active site of the enzyme)
what is an active site?
a region on an enzyme that binds to a protein or other substance during a reaction. Only the correct substrate will bind to the active site
what are optimal conditions?
Best, most desirable or favorable conditions. Enzymes all operate best under quite narrow ranges of temperature and pH.
what is catalase?
an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
what is pectinase?
An enzyme that weakens plant cell walls by breaking down pectin
where can pectinase be found?
fruits of plants where they play a natural role in the ripening process
what is cellulase?
an enzyme that weakens plant cell walls by breaking down cellulose
what does denatured mean?
the change the shape of an enzyme so that it can no longer speed up a reaction.
what is a molecule?
a group of atoms bonded together
what is pectin?
a sugar that is present in ripe fruits
what is cellulose?
A substance (made of sugars) that is common in the cell walls of many organisms
