Enzymes Flashcards
What is metabolism?
ALL the chemical reactions in the body
Chemical reactions will only occur if…
…there is sufficient energy to begin the reaction (activation energy)
What is activation energy?
Energy required to initiate a chemical reaction
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are organic or inorganic catalyst that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction
How do enzymes work?
Enzymes work by lowering the amount of energy required (activation energy) to complete a reaction
What is enzyme action?
How enzymes work to initiate or accelerate a chemical reaction by binding to substrates
.
Where does the substrate bind to the enzyme?
The active site
What is the active site?
The active site is the region of the enzyme responsible for its catalytic function
What are substrate molecules?
Substrate(s) are the compounds that are acted on by enzymes
What are products in enzyme action?
Product(s) are the compounds that are produced due to enzyme activity
How does the substrate binding to the enzyme work?
This binding weakens the bonds within the substrate(s). These stresses break or rearrange substrate(s) to form the product(s) of the reaction.
After the products are released…
…the enzyme is able to catalyse another reaction
What are the two models for enzyme action?
Lock and key model
Induced fit model
What is the lock and key model?
Substrate and active site are a perfect fit just like a lock and key
What is the induced fit model?
Once the substrate binds to the active site, the active site changes shape to make a better, more effective fit.
What is used today between the two models in enzyme action?
Induced fit model
Enzymes are proteins thereby meaning that they can be ….
…denatured
What is denaturation?
Denaturation occurs when the secondary and tertiary structures of a protein becomes unfolded
What can cause a protein (enzyme) to denature?
Different levels of pH
Different levels of temperature
What is optimal temperature?
The optimal temperature at which an enzyme functions at its highest rate
Is denaturation permanent?
Most enzymes cannot form again after denaturation but some can.
What happens when you increase substrate concentration?
Reaction rate increases until all enzymes are being used at a single point resulting in the saturation point
What happens when enzyme concentration is increased?
Reaction rate increases until all the substrate molecules are used up
What are inhibitors?
Inhibitors are chemicals that prevent the enzyme from functioning
