U1T2 - Keywords Flashcards
Metabolism
The chemical processes which occur within a living organism to maintain life.
Enzymes
Biological catalysts which speed up reactions in the body without being used up.
Highly substrate specific
Substrate must be complementary to the active site.
Active site
The place where a substrate attaches to on an enzyme.
Complementary
Fits the shape exactly.
Substrate
The molecule an enzyme must catalyse which fits into its active site.
Cofactors
Non protein part of a conjugated protein. Essential for the enzyme to function properly.
Inhibitor
Chemicals which stop or slow down the work of enzymes.
Catabolism
Breakdown of molecules.
Anabolism
Building up of molecules.
Prosthetic groups
Cofactor which is tightly bound permanently to enzyme (usually metal ion)
Coenzymes
Organic molecules which bind temporarily to enzyme.
Lock + Key Model
Active site of enzyme is complementary to substrate shape, products released as they aren’t complementary to active site shape.
Induced Fit Model
Active site of enzyme closely matches shape of substrate but can mould around substrate and so is flexible. It puts pressure on substrate which breaks bonds, lowering activation energy. Products released as they aren’t complementary to active site which then returns to original shape. Only catalyes one substrate.
Activation energy
Minimum amount of energy required to raise substrate molecules to their transition state.
Transition state
The point when molecules react and the products are formed immediately. High energy intermediates (ES)
Enzyme-substrate complex
High energy, unstable intermediates which form momentarily.
Intermediates
Molecular entity formed from reactants to give direct products of reaction.
Enzyme-product complex (EP)
When enzyme and products are together.
Kinetic energy
Energy in motion
Optimum
The best temp/pH/concentration where the rate of reaction Is the highest possible.
Denature
The shape of the active site of the enzyme is changed as a result of hydrogen + ionic bonds being broken in the tertiary structure which is permanent + irreversible.
Limiting factor
A factor in a reaction which will stop the rate increasing further as it is lacking and so the rate levels off.
Turnover number
The number of substrate molecules that one molecule of enzyme can turn into products in 1 minute.
Enzyme Inhibitor
A substance which interferes with enzyme action, reducing enzyme activity directly/indirectly by affecting the function of the active site.
Competitive inhibition
It has the same shape as the substrate so is complementary to the active site. It will bind to the active site to prevent substrate binding and effectively renders it useless. It is reversible as more substrate reduces effect, more inhibitor increases effect.
Allosteric enzymes
Enzyme with site other than active site where molecules can attach.
Non-competitive inhibition
Inhibitor attaches itself to a different area of an allosteric enzyme, changing the shape of the active site so it is no longer complementary to the substrate and this is irreversible so has an increased effect to competitive inhibition.
Biomarkers
A naturally occurring molecule/gene/characteristic which identifies a particular process/disease.
Heart attack
Coronary thrombosis (blocked coronary arteries)
Myocardium
The muscular tissue of the heart
Myocardial infarct
A scar in the muscular tissue of the heart caused by a heart attack as part of it has died.
Active Site Directed Inhibitors
Competitive inhibitors which attach to the active site.
Hypertension
High blood pressure caused by constricted blood vessels.
ACE
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor
MOI
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Adsorption
Enzyme is attached to inert substance (glass/matrix) by weak forces.
Entrapment
Enzymes are trapped within polymers (alginate beads/microspheres)
Encapsulation/enmeshment
Enzymes trapped inside selectively permeable membrane (nylon)
Cross-linkage
Enzymes covalently bonded to matrix (cellulose) as a result of a chemical reaction
Immobilised enzymes
Enzymes stuck onto something to stop them moving around.
Biosensors
A device which uses a biological material in the detection of a substance of interest.
Clinistix
Glucose specific testing strip to measure glucose in urine samples to test blood sugar levels for diabetics.
Diagnostic reagent strip using an enzume.
Reagent stick
Test strip containing immobilised enzymes.
Lactose
Intrinsic sugar in milk.
Lactase
Enzyme which catalyses breakdown of lactose.
Lactose Intolerance
When you cannot produce lactase to break down lactose.
Continuous flow processing
Milk continuously pours through enzyme beads + doesn’t have to be purified so the product is continually produced.
hCG
Glycoprotein called Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin which is a hormone released from placenta just after implantation.
Antibody
A blood protein produced in response to an antigen which bonds with foreign substances.
ELISA
Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay
Heavy metal ions
Dangerous pollutant metals due to effect on enzymes.
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Endergonic Reaction
Reaction which requires more energy than you get from it, absorbs energy from its surroundings. e.g. endothermic.
Unfavorable/nonspontaneous reaction.
Exergonic Reaction
Reactions which releases energy into its surroundings e.g. exothermic
Spontaneous/favourable reaction.
Colorimeter
An instrument for measuring the intensity of colour. (percentage transmission)
Sputum
Thick liquid which is coughed up from the respiratory tract when someone coughs. i.e. phlegm
Diagnostic
Allowing the identification of medical or other concerns.
Blood serum
Blood plasma with fibrinogen removed to prevent clotting.
