enzymes Flashcards
what is an enzyme
a biological catalyst, a protein
how do enzymes speed up chemical reactions
they lower the activation energy of a reaction
what is the lock and key model
where the substrate fits in the enzyme like a key fits into a lock
what is an enzyme substrate complex
when a substrate fits into the enzymes active site
what is an activation energy
the certain amount of energy needed for the reaction to start
what is the induced fit model
when the substrate changes the shape of the active site slightly to be able to fit
why are enzymes described as specific
only one complimentary substrate can fit in one active site of an enzyme
What does denature mean
When temperature causes the active site to change shape
What is the tertiary structure of a enzyme
The shape of the enzyme
How does pH affect the enzyme activity
Above and below the optimum pH, the H+ and OH- found in acids and alkalis can mess up the ionic and hydrogen bonds that hold the enzymes tertiary structure in place
What are competitive inhibitors
They compete with substrate molecules to bind to active site to block the active site
What are non-competitive inhibiotrs
They bind to the enzyme away from its active site which causes the active site to change shape, stopping substrates to bind
