Enzymes Flashcards
What is the function of an enzyme?
An enzyme is a biological catalyst in the body that speeds up metabolic reactions to be fast enough to support life.
What is the definition of a catalyst?
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction and is not changed by the reaction
What is the definition of an Enzyme?
Proteins that are involved in all metabolic reactions, where they function as biological catalysts.
How can enzymes be named?
Often by adding -ase. E.g Carbohydrase, Lipase.
What is the relationship between an Enzyme and a Substrate?
Like puzzle pieces, the substrate fits perfectly into the enzyme, and the the enzyme changes the substrate into new molecules. The enzyme is unchanged.
What are the two main factors that can affect enzymes?
Optimum temperature and pH.
What is the pH range at which most enzymes are able to work?
pH 6-8.
What is the term for when an enzyme is damaged due to a non-optimal pH or temperature?
Denatured.
What would be the consequence of not having enzymes?
Reactions in the body would not happen fast enough to sustain life.
