ENZYMES + METABOLIC PATHWAYS Flashcards
what is the function of enzymes?
enzymes allow all biological reactions to take place. substrates attach themselves to the active site of enzymes, the enzymes work on the substrates and then release them.
why are enzymes specific for particular substrates?
because only specific substrates can fit into each enzyme’s active site (lock and key)
what is the effect on a metabolic pathway if one enzyme is not produced/mutated/non-functional
it will disrupt the entire pathway, such as
- an accumulation of substrates where the substance before the blocked enzyme can build up - becomes toxic
- final products of pathway will be short of supply, affecting cellular functions + overall metabolism
what is the consequence of a build-up of substrates?
conditions like PKU can occur from substrate accumulation or other diseases, can affect growth and development, or given neurological disorders.
how do environmental factors work together to produce the phenotype for a particular trait?
environmental factors like nutrition, climate, and lifestyle can modify the phenotype (nutrient-rich diet can enhance growth)
how do genetics influence the expression of traits?
A person’s DNA determines the potential for a trait, like height, which sets limits on how it can be expressed - for example someone’s genetic makeup specifies the maximum height they could reach.
