Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy.

Front

What is the role of activation energy in enzyme reactions?

Back

Activation energy is the energy required to start a chemical reaction. Enzymes lower this energy, making it easier for reactions to occur.

Front

What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

Back

Enzymes can denature, meaning their shape changes and they lose their functionality when exposed to high temperatures.

Front

What is denaturation in enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme's structure is altered, usually due to extreme temperature or pH, affecting its ability to function.

Front

What type of macromolecule are enzymes classified as?

Back

Enzymes are classified as proteins.

Front

What is a catalyst?

Back

A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Front

How do enzymes affect the rate of chemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes increase the rate of chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to occur.

Front

What is the optimal pH for most enzymes?

Back

Most enzymes have an optimal pH range, typically around neutral (pH 7), but some may function best in acidic or basic conditions.

Front

What is substrate specificity in enzymes?

Back

Substrate specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to choose exact substrates from a group of similar chemical molecules.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The active site is the region on the enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.