Enzymes Flashcards
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are all proteins that act as BIOLOGICAL CATALYSTS within the body
What is a catalyst?
A catalyst is a substance which increases the speed of a reaction without being CHANGED or USED UP in the reaction
Why do enzymes have special shapes?
Enzymes have special shapes so they FIT onto the substance involved in a reaction.
Enzymes are really fussy and usually only catalyse one reaction.
This is because each enzyme will only fit one particular substance.
What two things do enzymes need in order to function?
The right temperature and PH.
The temperature can change the rate of an enzyme catalyst reaction.
PH needs to be just right as if its too high or too low the PH interferes with the BONDS holding the enzyme together.
Explain how a change of temperature can affect the rate of an enzyme catalysed reaction.
A higher a temperature increases the rate at first.
If it gets too hot some of the bonds holding the enzyme together break. This destroys the enzyme’s special shape and so it wont work any more.
What is the ideal temperature for enzymes in the human body?
37c
What is the ideal PH for enzymes
It’s ofetn neutral PH7
However some enzymes such as PEPSIN it works best at PH2 as they break down proteins in the stomach which is very acidic
What do digestive enzymes do?
They break down big molecules into smaller ones.
BIG MOLECULES = starch, protein and fats
SMALL MOLECULES = sugars, amino acids, glycerol and fatty acids
Name the enzyme that breaks down starch and was it broken down into?
This is known as the Amylase Enzyme and it breaks down stach into sugars such as MALTOSE and DEXTRINE
Where in the body is Amylase Enzyme created?
The salivary gland, pancreas and the small intestine
Name the enzyme that breaks down proteins and what is it broken down into?
This is known as PROTEASE Enzyme and it breaks down proteins into amino acids
Where in the body is the emzyme Protease produced?
It is produced in the stomach, pancreas and small intestine.
What enzyme breaks down lipids and what is it broken down into?
It is the Lipase Enzyme and it breaks down lipids into glycerol and fatty acids
Where in the body is lipase enzymes produced?
In the pancreas and small intestine
Enzymes in the stomach work in acidic conditions but in the intestine enzymes wok better in alkaline conditions.
What substance neurtalises the acid and makes it more alkaline in the intestine?
Bile