Enzymes Flashcards
Enzyme definition
A globular protein that stabilises the transition state relative to the substrate, speeding up reactions. A biological catalyst
Catalysis definition
Lowering the energy barrier to reach the transition state, without the enzyme being used up at the end
Enzyme reaction in its simplest form
E+A ⇌ EA –> E + P. Where EA is the enzyme substrate complex.
Enzyme reaction in a more complicated form
E+A ⇌ EA ⇌ EA ⇌ EP ⇌ EP ⇌ E + P
Explain the more complicated reaction symbols and stages
Substrate A rapidly reacts with Substrate E to form a loose association enzyme substrate complex.
Interactions of the substrate with the resides of the catalytic centre yields a tight transition state complex.
This state is able to convert the tightly bound substrate into a tightly bound product.
This then turns to a loosely associated EP before dissociating into a free product and enzyme.
What is the transition state complex?
A chemical reaction undergoing when the enzyme and substrate are in contact, not simply the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex. Highest free energy and is extremely unstable due to the constant bond breaking and bond forming events.
Initial state definition
the total energy content of a system before a reaction takes place
Final state definition
Energy content after a reaction has taken place
When does a reaction occur?
If Gibb’s free energy is negative
What is Gibb’s free energy?
Fraction of energy released in a biochemical process available to do work of some kind.
6 classes of chemical reactions
Hydrolysis, condensation, ligation, group transfer, redox, isomerisation
Hydrolysis reaction + enzyme
Process of using water to break down a molecule into two parts. Hydrolase
Condensation reaction
Class of organic addition reaction with the release of a water molecule
Ligation reaction + enzyme
The joining of two nucleic acid fragments using DNA ligase.
Group transfer reaction + enzyme
Process where one or more groups of atoms is transferred from one molecule to another. Tranferase
Redox reaction + enzyme
Chemical reaction where the oxidation states of the atoms are changed. Oxidoreducatases- enzymes that are associated with coenzymes
Isomerisation reaction + enzyme
Process by which one molecule is transformed into another molecule which has exactly the same number of atoms but with different arrangements. Isomerase
How do enzymes catalyst chemical reactions in general terms?
Lower the activation energy barrier, converting a complex reaction into a number of simpler ones, where each step has a smaller activation energy barrier. Hastens the approach towards equilibrium, possibly accelerating the reactions in either directions.
Active site definition
A region of the enzyme that has both a binding and catalytic site. Substrate binds to the binding site. The position in which it binds strains the substrate, causing it to change. Often a cleft, crevice or pocket.
What play an essential role in binding?
Amino acid residues, cysteine, glutamate, aspartate, lysine, arginine, histidine, serine, threonine and hydrophobic residues.
What bonds form between the active site and substrate?
non covalent bonds: hydrogen bonds, ionic attractions, hydrophobic bonds, Van Der Waals and potentially transient covalent bonds.
What does enzyme specificity depend on?
The shape of the active site (caused by the different primary structures of polypeptides) that are only complementary to a given substrate.
Different types of specificity + explained and example
Absolutely specific- glucose oxidase. Will act on glucose alone
broad substrate specificity- hexokinase. Will act on a range of hexoses, not just glucose
Group specific enzymes- alcohol dehydrogenase. Enzyme catalyst selective in acting on specific groups. Will act on both primary and secondary alcohols.
Stereospecific enzyme- L-amino acid oxidase. Act only on one enantiomer.
Enzyme promiscuity definition
Enzymes with relaxed substrate specificity, catalyse distinctly different reactions, distinct catalytic activity under unnatural conditions (extreme temperature and pH).
What is a multimeric enzyme?
An enzyme formed of two or more polypeptide chains
Isoenzymes definition
Enzymes catalysing the same reaction from different genes. Enzymes with the same function but different structure
What differs between isoenzymes?
Kinetic parameters, regulatory proteins and amino acid sequence
Isozyme Example
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is a tetramer formed of two subunits, H form and M form. Exists in 5 forms. Found mostly in red blood cells and heart and indicate damage of diseased tissue
Multienzyme complex definition
Stable assemblies of more than one enzyme, generally involved in sequential catalytic transformations.
Multienzyme complex example
pyruvate dehydrogenase is a complex of three different enzymes that collectively catalyse the oxidation of pyruvate. Has two catalytic sites providing TPP and magnesium ion cofactor.