3-1 Reflection Flashcard Enzymes

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What is a substrate?

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A substrate is a molecule upon which an enzyme acts. It binds to the enzyme's active site to undergo a chemical reaction.

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What is an enzyme?

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

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What is the active site of an enzyme?

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

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How does pH affect enzyme activity?

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Enzymes have an optimum pH at which they function best. Deviations from this pH can reduce enzyme activity.

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What are products in a chemical reaction?

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Products are the substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction, after the substrate has been transformed by the enzyme.

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What is the relationship between an enzyme's shape and its function?

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The shape of an enzyme is crucial for its function; it is specifically shaped to fit certain substrates, allowing it to catalyze specific reactions.

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What is meant by enzyme specificity?

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

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What is the role of temperature in enzyme activity?

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Temperature affects enzyme activity; each enzyme has an optimum temperature range, and extreme temperatures can denature the enzyme, reducing its activity.

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What is denaturation in enzymes?

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Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its functional shape due to external factors like extreme pH or temperature, rendering it inactive.

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What is a cofactor?

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A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound that is required for the biological activity of some enzymes.