Enzymes Flashcards
Is an enzyme “used up” by the reaction it catalyzes? Explain.
Enzymes are not used up by the reactions they catalyze. During a reaction, the enzyme combines loosely with its substrate. When the reaction is finished, the two separate, leaving the enzyme unchanged.
In what way does an enzyme affect the reaction it catalyzes? How does the enzyme produce this effect?
An enzyme increases the rate of reaction it catalyzes. It does this by combining with the substrate to form a highly reactive enzyme-substrate complex. When the reaction is completed, the enzyme and newly formed reaction product separate.
What is the active site?
The active site is the part of the enzyme into which the substrate fits.
What is meant by enzyme specificity
The active site on an enzyme has a complex configuration with which only one substrate molecule fits. Thus, the enzyme forms a complex with only one type of molecule. Lock and key concept
Could life exist without enzymes? Explain
It could not exist, because biochemical reactions of the life processes do not occur rapidly enough without enzymes to sustain life.
What are the characteristics of enzymes? Why are enzymes essential to life
Enzymes are usually proteins that speed up the rate of chemical reactions. Typically, an enzyme is specific for a chemical reaction. Without enzymes, chemical reactions would proceed too slowly for life to exist.
Why do cells use different enzymes to catalyze different reactions
Cells must use different enzymes to catalyze different reactions due to the specifications of the enzymes. Each enzyme has a shape specific to the shape of its substrate.
What are enzymes?
Proteins
How are enzymes needed
Enzymes are needed in small quantities and can be reused
Enzymes are ____
Specific (fit together like a lock and key, 1000-4000 per cell with many ending in -ase)
What is the lock and key
The enzyme and the substrate match up and fit together like puzzle pieces
What is a catalyst
Substrates that cause a reaction to occur at a faster rate without being affected.
What is it called when enzymes lose their shape?
Denatured
All enzymes have an optimal ________ (2 answers)
Optimal pH or temperature. The ideal pH for enzymes is 7
Why are enzymes considered catalysts?
Because they speed up chemical reactions
