enzymes as catalysts Flashcards
what effect do enzymes have on reaction equilibrium
they speed up the rate at which the reaction reaches equilibrium but does not effect equilibrium position
describe what is meant by transition state of a reaction
the reaction intermediate species with the greatest value of free energy (which is the activation energy)
how do enzymes lower activation energy
they bind and stabilise the transition state and provide alternative reaction pathways
describe what they are and the importance of cofactors and coenzymes
they are small molecules that are needed in order for many the catalytic activity of many enzymes
what’s the difference between cofactors and coenzymes
cofactors = metal ions coenzymes = organic molecules
how does a substrate bind to an enzyme
it binds to the active site of the enzyme
how is the active site of an enzyme affected by temp. or pH
there is an optimum pH and temp. for enzyme activity and so if the pH or temp. increases or decreases too much the active site will change shape and the reaction will not occur
what is an isozyme
they are isoforms(performs same function) of enzymes that catalyse the same reaction but have different properties and structure
