Final Lesson: sofia's biology term 1 summary

Question 1

What are enzymes?

Answer 1

Specialized proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms.

Question 2

What is specificity in enzymes?

Answer 2

Enzymes exhibit high specificity, meaning each enzyme has a unique function and recognizes specific substrates.

Question 3

Name an example of an enzyme that breaks down starch.

Answer 3

Amylase.

Question 4

What is the role of lipase?

Answer 4

Aids in the breakdown of dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Question 5

How do enzymes enhance reaction rates?

Answer 5

Enzymes enhance reaction rates by lowering activation energy needed for a reaction to begin.

Question 6

What is reusability in enzymes?

Answer 6

Enzymes are not consumed or changed during the reactions they catalyze and can be reused.

Question 7

What is the optimal temperature for most human enzymes?

Answer 7

Around 37°C (98.6°F).

Question 8

True or False: Enzymes work best at extreme pH levels.

Answer 8

False.

Question 9

Which enzyme works optimally in the acidic environment of the stomach?

Answer 9

Pepsin.

Question 10

What is the function of lactase?

Answer 10

Helps break down lactose, the sugar found in milk.

Question 11

List the four stages of food processing.

Answer 11

• Ingestion
• Digestion
• Absorption
• Assimilation
• Egestion

Question 12

What is the purpose of the cardiac sphincter?

Answer 12

Keeps stomach acid out of the esophagus.

Question 13

What is the digested bolus called after it leaves the stomach?

Answer 13

Chyme.

Question 14

Where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur?

Answer 14

In the jejunum of the small intestine.

Question 15

What are villi?

Answer 15

Tiny fingerlike projections lining the jejunum that increase surface area for absorption.

Question 16

What role does bile play in digestion?

Answer 16

Breaks down fats.

Question 17

What is the function of the large intestine?

Answer 17

Absorbs water from waste material and produces certain vitamins.

Question 18

What are the types of human teeth?

Answer 18

• Incisor
• Canine
• Premolar
• Molar
• Wisdom teeth

Question 19

What is tooth decay caused by?

Answer 19

Bacteria converting sugars into acids that damage the enamel.

Question 20

What is chlorophyll?

Answer 20

A green pigment in plants that absorbs light for photosynthesis.

Question 21

What is photosynthesis?

Answer 21

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight.

Question 22

What are autotrophs?

Answer 22

Organisms that make their own food, like plants.

Question 23

What are heterotrophs?

Answer 23

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

Question 24

What are the two major stages of photosynthesis?

Answer 24

• Light-dependent reactions
• Light-independent reactions

Question 25

Where does the Calvin cycle take place?

Answer 25

In the stroma of the chloroplasts.

Question 26

What is the main difference between C3 and C4 photosynthesis?

Answer 26

C3 produces a three-carbon compound, while C4 produces a four-carbon compound.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: The enzyme _______ aids in the breakdown of proteins.

Answer 27

Protease.