The Functions and Uses of Proteins Flashcards
What are proteins?
Large chains of amino acids.
What are four uses of proteins?
- Tissue components
- Hormones
- Antibodies
- Catalysts
What are enzymes?
Biological catalysts produced by the body that speed up useful chemical reactions in the body.
What is the lock and key model?
A way of presenting how enzymes work. Each one is uniquely shaped to suit a certain substance - if the substance doesn’t fit it won’t react.
What happens to enzymes if they become too hot?
They become denatured and deformed so cannot perform their jobs properly.
What is the ideal temperature for all enzymes in the human body?
37 degrees
What happens if the pH is wrong for an enzyme?
The bonds holding the enzyme together can be damaged which denatures it.
What does Amylase break down and into what?
Starch into sugar
Where is amylase made?
Salivary glands, pancreas and small intestine.
Where does amylase work?
Mouth and small intestine.
What does protease break down and into what?
Proteins into amino acids.
Where are proteases made?
Stomach, pancreas and small intestine.
Where do proteases work?
Stomach and small intestine
What does lipase help break down and into what?
Lipids into glycerol and fatty acids.
Where are lipases made?
Pancreas and small intestine.
Where do lipases work?
Small intestine.
What two things does the stomach produce?
Pepsin and hydrochloric acid.
Why does the stomach need hydrochloric acid?
1) To kill bacteria
2) To create a pH of 2 at which its enzymes work best
Where is bike produced?
The liver
Where is bile stored?
The gall bladder?
Where is bile used?
The small intestine
What is the role of bile?
- It neutralises the stomach acids
* It emulsifies the fat into tiny globules that have a higher surface area to volume ratio so are digested faster
What is a common use of enzymes around the home?
In biological detergents which can remove proteins and fats from materials at low temperatures.
What are three potential problems with using enzymes in detergents?
- Don’t work all at high temperatures
- May not work in very acidic or alkali tap water
- They can remain on clothes and damage the skin
How are enzymes used in baby food?
Some baby food comes “pre digested” using proteases so that they are easier for babies to digest.
How are enzymes used to make sugar syrup?
Carbohydrates can turn starch syrup into sugar syrup.
How can enzymes be used in slimming foods?
Isomerase can turn glucose syrup into fructose syrup which is sweeter so can be used in smaller quantities.
What are four advantages of using enzymes in industry?
- They only catalyse the reaction you want
- They allow reactions to take place at lower temperatures and pressures which saves energy
- Can work for a long time
- They are biodegradable
What are three disadvantages of using enzymes in industry?
- They can become denatured very easily
- Very expensive to produce
- Contamination of enzymes can affect the reaction
