Enzymes Flashcards
List the 10 features of enzymes
They are reusable, specific, reversible, catalysts, have an active site, are proteins, subset of catalysts, act on biochemical pathways, always end in ‘ase’ and are displayed above the arrow in chemical reaction.
Define an active site
An active site is the part of an enzyme where the substrate binds.
Define the enzyme-substrate complex
The energy-substrate complex is the structure formed when an enzyme and substrate are bound together.
Explain the optimal temperature idea of an enzyme
The idea of optimal temperature of an enzyme refers to when it’s at the most active point and fastest rate of catalyzation occurs.
Define the ‘saturation point’
The saturation point is the point at which the substance (enzyme) cannot receive more of another substance (substrate).
Define non-competitive inhibition
non-competitive inhibition is the hindrance of an enzyme by binding to an allosteric site and changing shape of the active site to prevent said substrate to bind.
Define Reversible inhibition
Reversible inhibition is enzyme inhibition that involves weaker bonds that can be overcome. They typically slow the rate of given enzymes-catalysed reactions, but not stop it indefinitely.
Define irreversible inhibition
irreversible inhibition is enzyme inhibition that involves stronger bonds that can’t be broken.
Explain the idea of the biochemical pathway
The biochemical pathway is a series of enzyme-catalysed biochemical reactions in which the product of one reaction becomes the substrate of the next reaction.
Define a cofactor
A co factor of an enzyme is any organic or inorganic molecule that assists enzyme functions.
Define a coenzyme
A coenzyme is a non-protein organic cofactor that assists enzyme function. Release energy and recycled during a reaction.
