Enzymes Flashcards
Do enzymes increase the activation energy?
No, they lower it
The enzyme-substrate complex…
accounts for why enzymes lower the energy of activation
Reversible enzyme inhibition…
When whatever is inhibiting the enzyme can be removed, such as a molecule blocking the active site. When an inhibitor molecule blocks the active site, the reaction cannot happen, but that inhibitor can be removed, so the inhibition is reversible.
Irreversible enzyme inhibition…
Irreversible enzyme inhibition is usually when the enzyme’s activity is inhibited due to the shape of the active site changing, which cannot be reversed. Some poisons, such as cyanide, can have this irreversible inhibition effect on enzymes.
What happens to the enzyme and rate of reaction when an enzyme is denatured
The enzyme loses its shape and function so the rate of reaction decreases or stop completely
What are some environmental conditions that affect the activity of an enzyme?
Temperature, pH, the concentration of enzymes, concentration of substrate, and inhibition
How do enzymes affect the activation energy of a reaction? How does this change affect the reaction?
Enzymes lower the activation energy, which allows for the reaction to happen faster
What is the activation energy of a reaction?
Activation energy = the amount of energy input needed to get a chemical reaction started
What is the purpose of the active site? Why is the shape important?
The activation site is where the substrate binds to the enzyme. They fit like a lock and key so if one changes it will not fit together anymore.
Synthesis reaction…
The enzyme reacts with two separate substrates and forms one unified product, therefore it synthesizing a larger molecule.
Degradation reaction…
A degradation reaction would be breaking down a substrate into separate products.
What is the function of an enzyme?
Enzymes catalyze or speed up biochemical reactions in organisms. Each enzyme is specific to one particular reaction.
