Factors Affecting Enzyme Action

These flashcards aim to encapsulate the key vocabulary and concepts related to factors affecting enzyme action as discussed in the lecture.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate a chemical reaction.

Substrate

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Active site

The specific region on an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Denature

The process in which an enzyme loses its functional shape, rendering it inactive.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.

Collision theory

The theory that for a reaction to occur, reactant molecules must collide with sufficient energy.

Factors affecting enzyme action

Temperature and pH level, which influence enzyme activity.

Temperature effect on enzymes

Increasing temperature generally increases enzyme activity up to an optimal point.

pH effect on enzymes

Enzymes function best at specific pH levels; extreme pH can denature enzymes.