Enzymes Flashcards
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
Enzymes are all large
Proteins
Enzymes are made up of chains of ….
Amino acids
Enzymes chains are folded into what
Unique shapes
Every enzyme has an
Active site
How are enzymes picky
Only catalyse one specific reaction
Is the substrate doesn’t fit the active site what happens
Nothing
How’s does Increasing the temperature affect the rate
Increases rate of reaction
What happens if it gets too hot
The bonds holding the enzyme together break so the shape of the active site changes, causing the enzyme to denature
What does it mean if an enzyme denatures
Unable to catalyse reactions
What temperature do enzymes work best at
Optimum temperature
How does pH affect enzymes
If it’s too high or too low the pH will interfere with the bond holding it together and cause it to denature
What is the optimum pH in enzymes
Normally 7(neutral)
What pH does pepsin work best at
pH 2 - acidic conditions
What does pepsin do
Break down proteins in the stomach
