Unit 1 - KA4 Proteins Flashcards
Name 5 potential functions of a protein?
-Structural
-Hormones
-Antibodies
-Receptors
-Enzymes
What is an enzyme?
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up a chemical reaction. They are made of proteins. They are unchanged during a chemical reaction
What is the active site?
The area on the surface of an enzyme that a substrate binds with, the shape of the active site is complementary to its specific substrate.
What is a synthesis reaction?
When multiple substrates are built up in one final product
What is a degradation reaction?
When a substrate is broken down into smaller products
What are optimum conditions?
The temperature at which an enzyme is most active. The optimum is different for each enzyme
What are factors affecting enzyme activity?
pH and Temperature
If the temperature or pH goes outwith the optimum an enzyme can become…
…denatured
What is a catalyst?
A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction by reducing the energy required to begin the reaction.
What is the substrate?
The substance with which an enzyme binds
What are structural proteins?
They are used to give support to cellular structures. An example of this would be the proteins found in cell membranes
What are hormone proteins?
Hormones are chemical messengers that carry specific messages through the blood stream. An example of this is insulin signalling to the liver to store excess glucose in the form of glucagon
What are antibody proteins?
Antibody’s defend against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses
What are receptor proteins?
They allow cells to recognise specific substances. For example liver cells have receptors for the signals sent by insulin
Name an example of a degradation reaction
Starch - Amylase - Maltose
