Enzymes & Digestion Flashcards
Active Site
Region of an enzyme where the substrate attaches.
Amylase
An enzyme that can break down starch into simple sugars.
Complementary
Shapes that fit together like jigsaw pieces.
Concentration Gradient
The difference in concentration between two solutions, between different cells or between cells and a surrounding solution.
Denaturation: Simplified
When an enzyme’s active site loses its shape meaning it can no longer work.
Denaturation: Explained
Active site loses its important shape
= Can no longer form enzyme-substrate complexes
Leading to a decrease in enzyme activity.
Denaturation is a permanent change.
Digestive System
Organ system involved in breaking food down so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Enzymes
Proteins that act as biological catalysts, meaning they speed up reactions without being used up themselves.
Epithelium
Type of tissue that lines or covers surfaces of an organism.
Made up of epithelial cells.
Inhibitor
Molecules that partially fit into an enzyme’s active site
- but are not broken down.
They inhibit the reaction.
If in the active site - substrate cannot enter to be broken down
- reducing the rate of reaction.
Lacteal
Tube that absorbs the products of Fat digestion
Before returning them to the Blood.
Kinetic Energy
Energy which an object possesses by being in motion.
Optimum
The temperature, pH or enzyme concentration that allows the enzyme to work at its best.
Lipase
Enzyme that breaks down lipids (fats and oils)
pH
Scale of acidity or alkalinity.
pH (power of hydrogen) value below 7 = acidic
pH value above 7 = alkaline.
Protease
Enzyme that breaks down proteins.
Substrate
A substance on which enzymes act.
Thermostable
Work at a wide range of temperatures.
Allows biological washing powder to be used at low temp - saves energy and money.
The Small Intestine (ileum)
Main function:
Absorption of digested food products into the bloodstream,
so they can be transported to the cells of the body.
Villi
Finger like projections that line the small intestine.
Enzyme Action:
’Lock and Key Model’
- Enzyme works on 1 substrate to form products; it is substrate specific
- Active site and substrate are complementary in shape.
- They collide to form enzyme-substrate complexes
- Substrates are broken down (or in some cases built up)
- Products are released
- Enzyme is free to act again/ repeat