Enzymes Flashcards
What are proteins made out of?
Chains of amino acids that are folded into unique shapes which enzymes need to do their job.
What is a catalyst?
A substance which increases the speed of a reaction, without being changed or used up in the process
Why do living things produce enzymes?
They act as biological catalysts and they reduce the need for high temperatures. We only have enzymes to speed up the useful chemical reactions in the body.
Other than catalysts, what do proteins act as?
Structural components of tissues (eg.muscles), hormones and antibodies.
Why do enzymes only usually catalyse one reaction?
Because for the enzyme to wok, the substance has to fit it’s special shape. If the substance doesn’t match the enzymes shape, the reaction won’t be catalysed.
What happens to an enzyme if the temperature of the reaction is too hot?
Some of the bonds holding the enzyme together will break which destroys the special shape of the enzyme so it won’t work anymore. The enzyme has been denatured.
How does PH affect enzymes?
If the PH is too high or too low, it will interfere with the bonds holding the enzyme together which will change the shape of the enzyme, denaturing it.
