Enzymes Flashcards
What is a Catalyst?
A substance that increases the speed of a reaction without being changed or used up in the process
What are Enzymes?
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up the rate of a chemical reaction
What is an ‘Active Site?’
The Active site is a region on the enzyme that is complementry to the substrate
What must happen to the active site in order for an enzyme to catalyse a reaction?
It must be complementry to the substrate
At first, scientists thought that in order for an enzyme to catalyse a reaction, the substrate had to fit perfectly into the active site.
What was the name for this model of enzyme action?
Lock and Key Model
We now know that in order for an enzyme to catalyse a reaction, the enzymes active site actually changes shape slightly as it binds to the substrate.
What do we call this model of enzyme action?
Induced Fit Model
How do High temperatures affect Enzymes?
High temperatures cause the bonds holding the enzyme together to break apart. This changes the shape of the active site causing it to become denatured
What is the optimum body temperature?
37 degrees
What does the term ‘optimum’ mean for enzyme temperature?
The temperature which gives the highest enzyme activity
What is pH?
A measure of acidity
Which Enzyme breaks down Startch?
Amylase
What is Startch broken down into?
Smaller sugars such as Maltose
Where is Amylase produced?
Salivary glands
Pancrease
Small intestine
What enzyme breaks down Proteins?
Protease
What is Protein broken down into?
Amino Acids
