Enzymes

Question 1

What is the definition of an enzyme?

Answer 1

An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions without being used up itself.

Question 2

What is an active site?

Answer 2

The part of an enzyme where the substrate binds. A substrate is a molecule the enzyme reacts with. Every enzyme’s active site is different.

Question 3

What are optimum conditions?

Answer 3

The conditions under which a particular enzyme is at its most active.

Question 4

What is denaturing and what causes an enzyme to denature?

Answer 4

If enzymes are exposed to extremes of pH or high temperatures the shape of their active site may change. This results with a denatured enzyme.

Question 5

How do you calculate the rate of reaction?

Answer 5

change in mass/reactant/product
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time

Question 6

What are digestive enzymes and why are they needed?

Answer 6

Substances which are produced & released by several organs to help digest and break down food into smaller molecules.

Question 7

What are examples of digestive enzymes and where are they found?

Answer 7

• Lipase~ mouth, stomach & pancreas (lipids)
• Amylase~ salivary glands & pancreas (starch)
• Protease~ stomach, pancreas & small intestine (proteins)