Macromolecules and Enzymes

Front

What is a macromolecule?

Back

A large, complex molecule, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, that are essential for life.

Front

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Back

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.

Front

What is the primary function of enzymes?

Back

To act as catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in biological processes.

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzymes?

Back

The reactant molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

Front

Define 'active site' in an enzyme.

Back

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

Front

What are proteins made of?

Back

Amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in metabolic pathways?

Back

Enzymes facilitate and regulate the biochemical reactions that occur in metabolic pathways.

Front

What is denaturation in relation to enzymes?

Back

The process in which an enzyme loses its functional shape due to factors like temperature or pH, rendering it inactive.

Front

How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes have optimal temperature and pH ranges; deviations can reduce their activity or denature them.

Front

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

Back

Competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site, while non-competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor binds to a different part of the enzyme.