Enzymes Flashcards
all about enzymes
What are enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.
How do enzymes work
Enzymes work by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction, thus increasing the reaction rate
How do enzymes work?
Enzymes work by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction, thus increasing the reaction rate
What is the active site of an enzyme?
The active site is the specific region of the enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.
What is a substrate in the context of enzyme activity
A substrate is the molecule upon which an enzyme acts.
What is meant by enzyme specificity?
Enzyme specificity means that each enzyme only catalyzes one specific type of reaction or acts on a specific substrate
What factors affect enzyme activity?
Factors affecting enzyme activity include temperature, pH, enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.
What is an optimal temperature for enzyme activity?
The optimal temperature for enzyme activity is the temperature at which the enzyme is most active, typically around human body temperature (37°C) for human enzymes.
What happens to enzymes at high temperatures
At high temperatures, enzymes can denature, losing their shape and function.
What is the optimal pH for enzyme activity
The optimal pH varies for different enzymes but is usually around pH 7 for most human enzymes. Some enzymes, like pepsin in the stomach, work best at a lower pH.
What is the role of enzymes in digestion
Enzymes break down complex food molecules into simpler forms that can be absorbed by the body.
Where are digestive enzymes produced in the body?
Digestive enzymes are produced in the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine
What enzymes are secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine
The pancreas secretes amylase (breaks down starch), lipase (breaks down fats), and proteases such as trypsin and chymotrypsin (break down proteins).
How do enzymes contribute to nutrient absorption
By breaking down food into smaller molecules, enzymes enable the absorption of nutrients through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream.
