GS Enzymes: Friday

Front

What is an enzyme?

Back

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in biological processes.

Front

What does it mean for an enzyme to denature?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its functional shape due to factors like temperature or pH changes.

Front

What is the active site of an enzyme?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of lipase?

Back

Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Front

What is the optimal pH for most enzymes?

Back

Most enzymes have an optimal pH around neutral (pH 7), but some, like pepsin, work best in acidic conditions.

Front

What is a substrate in enzymatic reactions?

Back

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

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.

Front

What is the significance of enzyme concentration in reactions?

Back

Increasing enzyme concentration generally increases the rate of reaction, provided there is enough substrate available.

Front

What is the significance of temperature on enzyme activity?

Back

Enzymes have an optimal temperature range; too high or too low temperatures can reduce their activity or denature them.

Front

What is luciferase?

Back

Luciferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin, producing light in bioluminescent organisms.