Enzymes - BIO 102 CONTENT

Question 1

What are enzymes?

Answer 1

• Macromolecules that act as biological catalysts

Question 2

Substrate

Answer 2

• A molecule or compound that is acted upon by the enzyme

Question 3

Active Site

Answer 3

• The physical opening in which the substrate attaches

Question 4

Induced Fit Model

Answer 4

• Model explains how some substrates are able to alter and improve the shape of an active site so that the enzyme functions better

Question 5

Enzymes lower activation energy by:

Answer 5

• Correctly orienting substrates
• Distorting substrate bonds
• Providing an appropriate microenvironment
• Directly participating in the reaction

Question 6

Cofactors

Answer 6

• Inorganic substances that aid in the enzyme’s function
• Minerals
• Ex: Ca2+, Na+, Mn2+

Question 7

Coenzymes

Answer 7

• Organic substances that aid enzyme function
• Ex: Any type of vitamin

Question 8

Allosteric Sites

Answer 8

• Receptor sites on an enzyme where the controlling molecule can plug in and affect enzyme function

Question 9

3 ways to control enzyme functions

Answer 9

1. Competitive Inhibitors
2. Allosteric Regulators
3. Feedback Inhibition

Question 10

Competitive Inhibitors

Answer 10

• Molecules that mimic substrate molecules and end up blocking the active site

Question 11

Allosteric Regulators

Answer 11

• Molecules that bind to allosteric sites of an enzyme
• Can activate or inhibit an enzyme

Question 12

Noncompetitive Inhibitors

Answer 12

• Inhibit the enzymes from functioning by having a non-substrate molecule attach to an allosteric site so that the enzyme no longer functions
• Denatures active site

Question 13

Feedback Inhibition

Answer 13

• Process by which an enzyme is inhibited by a product that has formed after a series of other enzymatic reactions
• Self-regulating
• If the end product accumulates in high quantities, it will inhibit the first enzyme