Enzymes

Catalyst

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

Metabolic reactions

All the chemical reactions that occur within cells, crucial for life processes including energy production, growth, and repair.

Enzymes

Proteins that function as biological catalysts, accelerating the rate of chemical reactions within living organisms.

Anabolic reactions

Chemical reactions that build complex compounds from simpler ones, e.g., photosynthesis.

Catabolic reactions

Chemical reactions that break down complex compounds into simpler ones, e.g., digestion.

Active site

The specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds to form an enzyme-substrate complex.

Enzyme-substrate complex

The intermediate formed when a substrate binds to an enzyme's active site.

Denaturation

A permanent change in an enzyme's structure, altering the shape of the active site, often due to high temperature or extreme pH.

Optimum temperature

The temperature at which an enzyme functions most efficiently.

Optimum pH

The pH level at which an enzyme functions most efficiently.

Lock and key model

A model explaining enzyme specificity, where only one type of enzyme fits a specific substrate.

Amylase

An enzyme that digests starch into maltose.

Protease

An enzyme that digests proteins into amino acids.

Lipase

An enzyme that digests lipids into fatty acids.

Pectinase

An enzyme that extracts juice from fruits.

Renin

An enzyme that clots milk to make cheese.

Trypsin

An enzyme that pre-digests proteins in baby food.

Papain

An enzyme that tenderizes meat.