Unit 1 - Metabolic Pathways (Enzymes)

Question 1

What is metabolism?

Answer 1

The Bio Chemical reactions that take place across the body in the bodies cells
e.g respiration

Question 2

What are Catabolic and Anabolic pathways?

Answer 2

Catabolic - Breaking down molecules (Releases energy)

Anabolic - Building up of molecules (Requires energy)

Question 3

What is the rate of reaction?

Answer 3

The rate at which a chemical (Or Bio chemical) reaction takes place.

Question 4

Explain Activation energy…

Answer 4

The energy required to break the chemical bonds of the reactants, thus it is the energy required for a reaction to take place.

Question 5

Describe the Transition state…

Answer 5

The state when the bonds of the reactants have been broken, but the products have not been form. This state is very unstable.

Question 6

Name the five factors which affect enzyme action…

Answer 6

• Temperature
• pH
• Inhibitors
• Enzyme concentration
• Substrate concentration

Question 7

What does the shape of the active site determine?

Answer 7

The orientation of the reactants

Question 8

What is an induced fit?

Answer 8

When the reactants bind to the active site, the enzyme ‘tightens its grip’ and changes its shape so that it has a more secure hold of the reactants. This increases the rate of reaction.

Question 9

How does and enzyme get rid of the products once it’s finished?

Answer 9

The products have a low affinity (Attraction) for the active site, so the products are released, and the enzyme is free to complete another reaction.

Question 10

Explain end product inhibition…

Answer 10

It is when an excess of the product has been made, and to prevent waste, the product will inhibit the first enzyme in the system to stop it from binding with the reactants.