Enzymes Flashcards
Enzymes are made in living things. What are they made from?
Proteins
Define ‘Enzyme’
A protein that acts as a Biological Catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being used up
What does the enzyme amylase do?
Breaks starch down into sugars (glucose)
What does the enzyme protease do?
Breaks proteins down into amino acids
What does the enzyme lipase do?
Breaks fats down into glycerol and fatty acids
List 3 factors that affect the rate at which an enzyme works
Temperature
pH
Enzyme concentration
Why do reactions proceed slowly at lower temperatures
Low kinetic energy
(few collisions between enzyme active sites and substrates)
Define ‘Optimum Temperature’
The temperature at which the enzyme works at its maximum rate
Why do reaction rates increase as temperature increases?
More kinetic energy
(more collisions between enzyme active sites and substrate)
What is the name given to the ‘theory of enzyme action’?
Lock and Key
What part of an enzyme binds to the substrate?
Active Site
Enzymes are ‘Specific’. What does this mean.
Enzymes have a uniquely shaped active site to which only one substrate can bind.
Why do enzymes suddenly stop working at higher temperatures?
Bonds break in the enzyme and the shape of the active site changes (Denatured)
When an enzyme binds to a substrate, what is formed?
Enzyme Substrate Complex
Explain why an inhibitor slows the rate of a reaction
Inhibitors are the same shape as the substrate and will block the active site preventing the substrate binding.
As substrate concentration changes, reaction rate increases, but only up to a certain point…why?
All the enzyme active sites are occupied. There are no more active sites available.
What is an inhibitor?
A molecule that binds to the active site, but is not broken down
Enzymes help Digestion
Define ‘Digestion’
The breakdown of large insoluble molecules into smaller soluble molecules which can be absorbed.
What does a biological washing powder contain?
Enzymes
Give an advantage of using a biological washing powder
They work at lower temperatures, which can save energy.
Where in the digestive system are molecules absorbed
Ileum
How is the ileum adapted to aid absorption?
Large Surface Area (Long, Folds, Villi)
Thin Permeable Membranes
Good Blood Supply
Name the finger like projections that aid absorption in the Ileum
Villi
How are Villi adapted to aid absorption of digested food molecules?
Finger-like shape
Single layer of epithelial cells
Good blood supply
What does the Lacteal do?
Carry away Glycerol and Fatty Acids
Give 2 examples of digested foods that enter the blood capillaries in a Villus
Glucose and Amino Acids
