5th year biology- Enzymes

catalyst

substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction

enzyme

Biological catalyst, protein that speeds up a chemical reaction but is not used in the reaction

activation energy

the amount of energy needed for a reaction to occur

enzyme specificity

enzyme can only bond to one substrate

Example : Maltase on Maltose

amylase

An enzyme that breaks down starch into maltose. Secreted by salivary glands and by the pancreas.

factors effecting enzyme action

enzyme concentration; substrate concentration; temperatures and pH

optimal temperature

The temperature at which the enzyme's activity is at its Best. Human = 37 degrees

optimal pH

specific pH, where enzymes work the BEST.

Amylase = pH 7

active site

The site on an enzyme that attaches to a substrate.

substrate

The substance that an enzyme acts upon.

inhibitors

Substances that block an enzyme's activity.

Example Nerve Gas

product

The substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction between a substrate and an enzyme

denature

A change in the shape of an enzyme due to excessive temperature or pH

Induced fit

The model for enzymes that states when a substrate binds to an enzyme, the active site can change shape- to aid attachment, like a clasping hand shake.

Lock and Key Theory

Model where the enzyme and substrate fit perfectly- enzyme rigid and unchanged; used to explain enzyme Specificity and Reversibility

immobilised

Enzymes that have been attached to a resin to reduce their ability to move. These enzymes can be used over and over again

continuous flow

Biotechnology process which creates product around the clock

biotechnology

The use of microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeasts, or biological substances, such as enzymes, to perform specific industrial or manufacturing processes.

bioreactor

a vessel used for industrial fermentation

aeration, pH control, temp control

Ribosomes

Location in the cell where all enzymes are made

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions occuring in the cell

Anabolic

An enzyme reaction that builds up small molecules into larger ones ( Requires energy )

Catabolic

An enzyme reaction that breaks down a large molecule in to smaller ones ( Releases energy )

Protein

All enzymes are made from this type of biomolecule

3D

All enzymes have this structure

Folded

All enzymes have this shape

buffer

substance that maintains a fairly constant pH in a solution

hydrogen peroxide

Substrate used in enzyme experiments. broken down to form oxygen and water

catalase

Enzyme found in most plant (celery) and animal cells that decomposes hydrogen peroxide

Sodium Alginate

Chemical used to immobilise enzymes

calcium chloride solution

used to harden beads in immobilisation