Enzymes Flashcards
What is an enzyme?
A biological catalyst
What factors can effect the rate of reaction for enzymes?
- Temperature
- Concentration
- pH
Why does temperature affect the rate of reaction?
As the temperature increases so does the rate of reaction, because the particles have more energy. This happens until the optimum temperature is reached and enzymes denature.
How does concentration affect the rate of reaction for enzymes?
The higher the concentration of substrate, the faster the rate of reaction for enzymes. This happens until the optimum concentration is reached and there are not enough enzymes to break down all the substrates.
How does pH affect the rate of reaction?
The higher the pH, the faster the rate of reaction for enzymes until the optimum pH is reached and the enzymes denature.
What is the active site?
Where the enzyme and the substrate binds
When a substrate bonds with a complementary active site, what is formed?
Substrate complex
What does protease break down?
Proteins into amino acids
What enzyme breaks down protein?
Protease
What does amylase break down?
Starch into glucose
What enzyme breaks down starch?
Amylase
What does lipase break down?
Lipids into fatty acids and glycerol
What is a catalyst?
Something that speeds up chemical reactions
Why is an enzyme better than a regular catalyst?
It isn’t used up in a chemical reaction
Why are there different enzymes for breaking down different molecules?
Because the active site needs to be completely to the substrate
What do digestive enzymes do?
Catalyse the breakdown of large food molecules so they are small enough to cross cell membranes to get to cells for aerobic respiration
How do you calculate rate of reaction?
Amount of products formed OR Amount of reactants used up
—————————————————————————————
Time taken
What does it mean for an enzyme to denature?
The shape of the active site changes meaning it can no longer bind to its specific substrate
What test would you use to identify starch?
Iodine test
What would happen to iodine in the presence of starch?
It would change colour from orange to blue/black
What test would you use to identify reducing sugars?
Benedict’s test
What would happen to Benedict’s solution in the presence of reducing sugars?
It would change from blue to yellow, orange or red
What do you do to the test tube after adding Benedict’s solution in a Benedict test?
Place it in a water bath at 75°C for a few mins
What do you do to a food sample before testing it?
- Crush it
- Add water to it
- Stir it
- Filter it