Enzymes/Macromolecules

Front

What is a substance called if it speeds up a chemical reaction?

Back

Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Front

What do we call any substance that is acted upon by an enzyme?

Back

Substrate: The specific reactant that an enzyme acts on.

Front

What do enzymes do to the activation energy of a reaction?

Back

Enzymes decrease the activation energy of the reaction, making it easier for the reaction to occur.

Front

What are enzymes primarily made of?

Back

Proteins: Enzymes are biological catalysts that are primarily composed of proteins.

Front

Which of the following is NOT a job of proteins in the body?

Back

Insulation: While proteins have many functions, insulation is primarily a role of lipids.

Front

What is the role of a coenzyme?

Back

Coenzyme: A non-protein molecule that assists enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Front

What is the term for the specific region on an enzyme where the substrate binds?

Back

Active Site: The region on an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

Front

What is the effect of temperature on enzyme activity?

Back

Temperature: Enzymes have an optimal temperature range; too high or too low can denature the enzyme or slow down the reaction.

Front

What is enzyme specificity?

Back

Enzyme Specificity: The concept that each enzyme only catalyzes a specific reaction or type of reaction.

Front

What happens to enzymes after a reaction?

Back

Enzymes are reusable: They are not consumed in the reaction and can be used repeatedly.