Enzymes Flashcards
What is the definition of an enzyme
A biological catalyst
What do catalysts do
They increase the rate of reaction without being used up
How do enzymes increase the rate of reaction
They do this by decreasing the amount of activation energy that is required for a reaction to take place, so more molecules have the activation energy or more allowing them to react.
What is an example of an intracellular enzyme and what does it do
Catalase binds to H2O2 also known as hydrogen peroxide and catalyses it’s breakdown into water and oxygen
What is an example of an extracellular enzyme
Amylase which is produced in the pancreas and released into the small intestine, catalysing the breakdown of starch into glucose.
What is the molecule that binds to the enzyme called
It is called the substrate molecule
What are the molecules that are produced called
The products
What is the active site
The active site is where the substrate binds to
When the enzyme binds to the substrate what is it called
An enzyme substrate complex
What is the substrate in relationship to the active site
The active site is complementary to the substrate
What does the complementary nature mean
Each enzyme is specific to the substrate ion binds to
What happens once the substrate binds to the active site
Amino acids on the active site can form temporary bonds with the substrate ion
What happens to molecules that aren’t complementary
It will not be able to bind to the active site
What happens once the reaction is catalysed
A product complex is formed and then the product is released from the active site
What are catabolic enzymes
enzymes that can break down larger molecules into smaller molecules
What are anabolic enzymes
Enzymes that can build up larger molecules from smaller molecules
What is the lock and key model
The substrate molecule fits perfectly into the active site similar to how a key fits into a lock. Furthermore, only one key can fit into the lock demonstrating the highly specific nature of enzymes.
What is the induced fit model
The tertiary structure of the active site changes as the substrate approaches. As the substrate starts to form bonds with the active site, the active site undergoes a conformational change so that the active site moulds around the substrate. The conformational change allows the active site to perfectly fit the substrate
How does the induced fit model show enzyme specificity
Molecules that aren’t the substrate can;t form the correct bonds to the correct amino acids in the active site. So the structure of the enzyme doesn’t adjust to fit the molecule.
What are cofactors
Most enzymes require accessory compounds in order to be functional. These are called cofactors.
If a cofactor is organic what is it called
It is called a coenzyme
What are inorganic cofactors normally and give an example
Inorganic cofactors are normally ions such as zinc or chloride. And an example is chloride ions are a cofactor for amylase.
What does chloride do to amylase
They held maintain the shape of the active site of the amylose molecule, which ensures that the active site is properly configured for breaking down starch.
What are prosthetic groups
They are cofactors and are required by some enzymes to carry out their catalytic processes.
What is the difference between prosthetic groups and other cofactors
Whereas other cofactors are loosely or temporary bound to the enzyme, prosthetic groups are tightly bound forming a permanent feature of it.
What are vitamins a source of
They are a source of coenzymes for many enzymes in organisms.