Enzymes 2 Flashcards
What are enzymes made of, and how are they structured?
Enzymes are made of proteins, consisting of long chains of amino acids folded into specific 3D shapes, including an active site for substrate binding.
Where are intracellular and extracellular enzymes found, and what is their function?
Intracellular enzymes work within cells, aiding metabolic processes. Extracellular enzymes function outside cells, like digestive enzymes breaking down food.
How do enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction?
Enzymes lower activation energy by bringing substrates close together at their active site, reducing the energy needed to start the reaction.
What is the significance of the enzyme-substrate complex?
The enzyme-substrate complex positions the substrate for efficient reaction, leading to product release while keeping the enzyme unchanged.
What role does the structure of enzymes play in their functionality?
Enzyme structure determines the shape of their active site, enabling interaction with specific substrates, crucial for their catalytic activity.
How do temperature and pH affect enzyme structure and function?
Extreme temperature and pH can alter enzyme structure, affecting active site shape, and rendering them less effective.
Why are enzymes important in digestion?
Enzymes break down complex food molecules into simpler forms for the body to absorb and utilize.
How is enzyme activity measured?
Enzyme activity is often measured by observing substrate conversion to product rate, via concentration changes or product release.
How does substrate concentration affect enzyme activity?
Increasing substrate concentration initially boosts reaction rate, but it levels off when all enzyme active sites are occupied.
