Enzymes Flashcards
What ate enzymes?
Biological catalysts
What is a catalyst? (3)
- speed up reactions
- not used up on reaction
- specific
What are enzymes made from?
Proteins (long chains of amino acids)
What is the collision theory?
In order for chemical reactions to occur, particles must collide with enough energy
What is activation energy?
The minimum amount of energy particles must have in order to react
How do catalysts work regarding activation energy?
They lower the activation energy, therefore increasing the chance of a reaction
Lock and key mechanism (2)
- each enzyme has very specific 3D shape
- substrate fits into active site forming an enzyme-substrate complex
How and why does temperature effect enzymes? (2)
- rate of reaction increases
- they have more kinetic energy so move faster
What is the optimum temperature for enzymes?
37°C
What happens when the temperature goes above 37°C? (4)
- amino acids unravel
- active site changes shape
- enzyme becomes denatured
- rate of reaction slows dramatically
Why is the optimum temperature for enzymes 37°C?
Temperature of human body
Where is amylase found?
Saliva
Where is pepsin found?
Stomach
Optimum pH for amylase
7
Optimum pH for Pespin
3
