Enzymes

structure, function, factors affecting activity, enzyme inhibition, models of enzyme action

what is an enzyme?

a globular protein that acts as a biological catalyst

what is the active site?

a short chain of amino acids

are enzymes soluble in water? why?

yes, because the side chains of the amino acids are hydrophilic

how do enzymes speed up the rate of reaction/ act as catalysts?

lower activation energy

what are co-factors and co-enzymes?

non-protein molecules that bind to an enzyme before it catalyses a reaction

what is a coenzyme?

an organic molecule that temporarily bonds to the enzyme and transfers a chemical group required for that specific reaction

what are co-factors (activators)?

an inorganic group that permanently bonds to the enzyme and is a type of prosthetic groups

what happens to the enzyme at high temperatures?

enzyme is denatured because H and ionic bonds break between R groups so the active site changes shape and is no longer complementary to the substrate