Enzymes

Front

What are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process.

Front

What is the role of an active site in an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

A substrate is the reactant molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

Front

What does it mean for an enzyme to be specific?

Back

Enzyme specificity means that each enzyme only catalyzes a specific reaction for a particular substrate.

Front

What is the significance of the optimal temperature for enzyme activity?

Back

The optimal temperature is the temperature at which an enzyme's activity is highest, allowing for maximum reaction rates.

Front

What happens to enzymes at temperatures above their optimal range?

Back

At temperatures above their optimal range, enzymes can denature, losing their shape and functionality.

Front

What is the effect of pH on enzyme activity?

Back

Each enzyme has an optimal pH range; deviations can lead to decreased activity or denaturation.

Front

What is a catalyst?

Back

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing permanent change.

Front

How do enzymes lower activation energy?

Back

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

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 site, altering enzyme function.