Enzymes Flashcards
What are enzymes?
enzymes are biological catalysts they speed up reactions in living organisms they are a special type of protein, proteins are made from chains of amino acids.
Active site
an enzymes active site has a very specific shape based on the way the amino acid chains fold. The substance that fits the active site is called a substrate enzymes and substrates work together like a lock and key. All enzymes have different active sites,.
An example of the lock and key.
and example of this is the enzyme amylase its substrate is starch when they come together the starch binds to the active site of the amylase. The amylase then catalyses the reaction. The reaction taking place is the breakdown of the starch into glucose.
How does temperature affect enzymes?
if the active site shape is altered than the substrate cannot bind increasing, the temperature increases the rate of reaction because they have more energy which creates more collisions at the optimum temperature enzymes work the most effectively increasing the temperature beyond optimum can cause enzyme activity to decrease because the amino acid folds are broken, therefore changing the shape of the active site .
How does pH affect enzymes?
enzymes are also affected by pH. Each enzyme has an optimum pH when the pH is below or above the optimum the enzyme becomes denatured.
What does amylase do?
Breaks down carbohydrates and produces simple sugars.
it is found in the pancreas and salivary gland, and it acts in the small intestine in the mouth
What does protease do?
Break down proteins and produce amino acids.
it is produced in the pancreas, stomach and small intestine it acts in the small intestine and stomach.
What does lipase do?
breaks down lipids and produces fatty acids and glycerol.
It is produced in the pancreas and small intestine. It acts in the small intestine. 
