AP Bio Enzymes

Front

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

Back

Catalyst

Front

Where do substrates bind on an enzyme?

Back

Active site

Front

What is the term for the amount of energy needed for a reaction to occur?

Back

Activation energy

Front

What is the role of a competitive inhibitor in enzyme activity?

Back

It blocks the enzyme's active site, preventing substrate binding.

Front

At what temperature do enzymes generally function best?

Back

Enzymes function best at a specific temperature, often around 37 degrees Celsius for human enzymes.

Front

What is the effect of temperature on enzyme activity?

Back

Increased temperature generally increases enzyme activity up to a certain point, after which the enzyme may denature.

Front

What is denaturation in the context of enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its functional shape due to extreme conditions, such as high temperature or pH.

Front

What is the difference between an enzyme and a catalyst?

Back

An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms, while a catalyst can be any substance that speeds up a reaction.

Front

What is the significance of enzyme specificity?

Back

Enzyme specificity means that each enzyme only catalyzes a specific reaction or type of reaction, ensuring proper metabolic processes.

Front

How do enzymes lower activation energy?

Back

Enzymes lower activation energy by stabilizing the transition state and providing an alternative reaction pathway.