Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The specific region on an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is an enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

The temporary complex formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate.

Front

What are the products of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction?

Back

The molecules that are produced as a result of the reaction facilitated by the enzyme.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Back

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions, thus increasing the rate of the reaction.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

Front

What is the optimum pH for most enzymes?

Back

Most enzymes have an optimum pH around neutral (pH 7), but some may function best at acidic or basic pH levels.

Front

What is denaturation in relation to enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its functional shape due to extreme conditions, rendering it inactive.

Front

What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibitors?

Back

Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site of the enzyme, while non-competitive inhibitors bind to a different site, altering the enzyme's function.