Proteins Flashcards
Name 5 functions of proteins
- Enzymes
- Hormones
- Antibodies
- Structural proteins
- Receptors
What are enzymes?
Biological catalysts which speed up chemical reactions
Do enzymes take part in chemical reactions?
No, therefore they remain unchanged after the reaction, so they can be used many times
What is the substance an enzyme acts upon called?
The substrate
What is the substance at the end of the reaction called?
The product
Explain the shape of enzymes
An enzymes shape is complimentary to its substrate, as its active side fits perfectly into its substrate, making the enzyme specific to 1 substrate
What is a degradation reaction?
A reaction where large molecules are broken down into smaller molecules
What is a synthesis reaction?
A reaction where smaller molecules are joined together to make large molecules
What happens to enzymes at very low temperatures?
Enzyme action stops, but the enzyme remains undamaged
What happens to enzymes at low temperatures?
Enzyme activity remains low
What happens to enzyme activity in warmer temperatures?
Emzyme activity increases
What is an enzymes optimum temperature?
The temperature where enzyme activity is at its fastest
What temperature is most enzymes optimum temperature?
37 degrees celcius, are us body temperature
What happens to enzymes in high temperatures?
The enzymes active site is damaged, making the enzyme activity decrease, eventually stopping altogether
What happens to enzymes at very high temperatures?
The enzymes active site is permanently damaged, and the enzyme is said to be denatured
