Enzymes

Front

What is the primary function of enzymes in biological systems?

Back

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required.

Front

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

The enzyme-substrate complex is a temporary molecule formed when an enzyme comes into contact with its substrate.

Front

Can enzymes be reused after a chemical reaction?

Back

Yes, enzymes can be reused multiple times in chemical reactions.

Front

What is a substrate in the context of enzyme activity?

Back

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

Front

What happens to enzymes when they are exposed to high temperatures?

Back

Enzymes can become denatured, meaning their shapes are altered, which affects their functionality.

Front

What is denaturation in relation to enzymes?

Back

Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its activity due to external factors like heat or pH changes.

Front

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Back

Factors include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

Front

What is the role of an enzyme's active site?

Back

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

Front

How do competitive inhibitors affect enzyme activity?

Back

Competitive inhibitors compete with the substrate for binding to the active site, reducing the rate of reaction.

Front

What is the difference between a cofactor and a coenzyme?

Back

Cofactors are non-protein molecules that assist enzymes, while coenzymes are organic molecules that serve as cofactors.