unit 5 Flashcards
What are enzymes?
proteins that function as biological catalysts
Whats a catalyst?
a substance that lowers the amount of activation energy necessary for chemical reactions to proceed.
Whats a substrate?
the reactant (the substance being acted upon)
How does an enzyme work
The substrate binds at the active site in the enzyme, and the enzyme turns it into a product and releases it
Can enzymes be used again?
Yes, enzymes do not run out, and can be used again multiple times
What are the factors that affect the function of enzymes?
Temperature, pH level, Specificity, cofactor necessity
What’s the temperature?
a measure of the speed at which molecules are moving
What can increase the reaction rate of an enzyme?
increasing the temperature
Why is excessive temperature bad for enzymes?
Because it alters their structure, destroying their ability to function.
What’s a denatured enzyme?
an enzyme’s structure is changed (active site ) sufficiently to destroy its function
Catalase experiment
2H2O2 + catalase ——> H2O + O2
Another name for the catalase enzyme
Peroxidase
Where can catalase enzymes be found?
Potatos
Whats the optimum pH level for catalase enzyme
7
How does pH affect enzymes?
pH affects the three-dimensional shape of enzymes, thus regulating their function.
