Enzymes Flashcards
What is the purpose of enzymes in biological reactions?
Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
What is the difference between a substrate and a product in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction?
A substrate is the molecule that an enzyme acts upon, while a product is the molecule formed after the enzyme has catalyzed the reaction.
What does “catalysis” mean in terms of enzyme activity?
Catalysis refers to the process of speeding up a chemical reaction by using a catalyst, which in the case of enzymes, is the enzyme itself.
What is the lock-and-key theory in relation to enzymes?
The lock-and-key theory suggests that enzymes have a specific active site that only fits one particular substrate, like a key fitting into a lock.
What is the difference between anabolic and catabolic reactions?
Anabolic reactions build larger molecules from smaller ones (e.g., protein synthesis), while catabolic reactions break down larger molecules into smaller ones (e.g., digestion).
Name two uses of enzymes in industry.
Enzymes are used in food production (e.g., making cheese or bread) and in laundry detergents to break down stains.
What is meant by the “optimum pH” and “optimum temperature” for an enzyme?
The optimum pH and temperature are the conditions at which an enzyme works most efficiently, leading to the fastest rate of reaction.
What happens when an enzyme becomes denatured?
When an enzyme is denatured, its shape is altered, often due to extreme pH or temperature, causing it to lose its ability to bind to its substrate and function properly.
