Enzymes Flashcards
What are enzymes?
Biological catalysts which speed up chemical reactions.
Two models of the biological catalyst:
Lock and key theory
Induced fit theory
What is the lock and key theory?
Enzymes active site has a complementary shape to substances. This makes the enzyme substrate complex which then either an anabolic or catabolic reaction happens to create the enzyme product complex.
What happens when enzymes denature?
There active site change shape so unable to carry out its function.
Factors effecting enzymes activity:
Temperature
pH
Enzymes concentration
Substrate concentration
What a cofactor?
Inorganic molecules or ions that help bind enzymes and substrates.
How do you overcome competitive inhibitors?
Increase substrate concentration
Example of coenzyme
NAD
How do enzymes speed up reaction?
They lower activation energy often making reactions happen at a lower temperature which speeds up rate of reaction
What is activation energy?
Energy need to start a reaction
