Biomolecules and Enzymes

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

The specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Front

What does the 'lock and key' model of enzyme action describe?

Back

It describes how each enzyme fits perfectly with its specific substrate, similar to a key fitting into a lock.

Front

What is a substrate?

Back

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Front

What is the function of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Back

To lower the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Front

What are nucleic acids?

Back

Biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information, such as DNA and RNA.

Front

What is the primary function of DNA?

Back

To store genetic information that is passed from one generation to the next.

Front

What is the primary function of RNA?

Back

To help in the synthesis of proteins based on the genetic information in DNA.

Front

What are the two main types of nucleic acids?

Back

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

Front

How do enzymes affect the rate of a chemical reaction?

Back

Enzymes increase the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy.