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Enzyme

A biological catalyst that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed.

Metabolism

The collective term for all the chemical reactions occurring constantly in a cell that maintain homeostasis.

Active Site

The region on an enzyme where the substrate binds and undergoes a chemical reaction.

Substrate

The reactant in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction.

Cofactor

A non-protein molecule or ion required for proper enzyme function.

Coenzyme

An organic cofactor that binds to enzymes and participates in chemical reactions.

Competitive Inhibition

A type of inhibition where a molecule similar to the substrate competes for binding at the active site.

Non-competitive Inhibition

A type of inhibition where an inhibitor binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, altering enzyme shape.

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism where the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier step.

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Induced Fit Model

A model of enzyme action that states the active site undergoes a conformational change to better fit the substrate.

Reaction Rate

The speed at which reactants are converted to products in a chemical reaction, often influenced by enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, and temperature.

Allosteric Site

A site on an enzyme other than the active site where molecules can bind and affect enzyme activity.

Denaturation

The process in which an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure and, hence, its function due to extreme conditions such as temperature or pH.

Enzyme Concentration

The amount of enzyme present in a reaction that can affect the rate of reaction; more enzyme typically increases reaction rate.

Substrate Concentration

The amount of substrate available for an enzyme to react with; a higher concentration may increase reaction rates up to a point.

Temperature Effects

Temperature can affect enzyme activity, as each enzyme has an optimal temperature at which it is most active.

pH Effects

Enzymes have optimal pH levels; extreme pH can lead to denaturation and loss of activity.