6C - Factors Affecting the Rate of Cellular Respiration

Optimal

 the point at which for a given condition (e.g. temperature), the maximum function of an enzyme occurs. Also known as optimum

Denature

the disruption of a molecule’s structure by an external factor such as heat

pH

 a scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution

Enzyme inhibitor

 a molecule that binds to and prevents an enzyme from functioning

Competitive inhibitor

a molecule that hinders an enzyme by blocking the active site and preventing the substrate from binding

Non-competitive inhibitor

a molecule that hinders an enzyme by binding to an allosteric site and changing the shape of the active site to prevent the substrate from binding

Allosteric Site

a region on an enzyme that is not the active site

Reversible inhibition

enzyme inhibition that involves weaker bonds that can be overcome

Irreversible inhibition

enzyme inhibition that involves stronger bonds that cannot be broken

End-product inhibition

a form of inhibition where the final product in a series of reactions inhibits an enzyme in an earlier reaction in the sequence