Enzymes Flashcards
What are the properties of enzymes
Enzymes are proteins
Enzymes are not used up so they can be reused
Enzymes are specific and only carry out 1 type of reaction
So maltase can only break down maltase
Enzymes work by the lock and key theory.
Enzymes work best at the optimum temperature which is 37 degrees in a human body
Any pH above or below the optimum pH will denature it
What are enzymes
Enzymes are catalysts that occur in living cells. They are chemicals, they cannot die and they are not cells
What is the formula for enzymes
Substrate ( something ose) ➡️product
(Something ase)
Explain the lock and key theory
Enzymes have an active site which is a certain shape. Only 1 type of substrate will fit into the enzyme. When the substrate fits into the active site, you get an enzyme substrate complex. A chemical reaction occurs and a product is formed. The product leaves the active site and the enzyme can be reused
What happens to enzymes when the temperature is low
Enzymes will only work very slowly as they are dormant and have low kinetic energy. The rate of reaction will be low of the temperature is low. When the enzyme and substrates have a low amount of kinetic energy so there will be fewer enzyme substrate complexes
What happens to enzymes at high temperature
At high temperatures, the active site will get damaged and the substrate will no longer fit into the active site as the enzyme is denatured. This enzyme will not function
What are the uses of enzymes
Biological washing powders contain enzymes to digest and break down the stains. Lipid stains will be removed by lipase. Protein stains will be removed by protease. Starch stains will be removed by amylase
Protease is added in baby food to break down the food
Enzymes are used to break down the cell wall in fruit to allow the release of juice.
Cabohydrase breaks down starch in plants for syrup.
How is fructose made and what are the uses
If you break down glucose with isomerase, you get fructose. Fructose is used in diet foods because it is more sweeter than glucose so you can use less of it. It also has less calories
