L5: Why Enzymes Exist – Solving the Problem of Slow Chemistry

Having the necessary molecules present__that reactions occur__to support life.

doesn't guarantee, rapidly enough

Nearly every biochemical reaction in the oral cavity occurs in an__environment

aqueous

The biological challenge is that reactions must be fast specific and controlled. The solution is__. Life requires chemistry, but biology requires__

enzymes; control

Many biological important reactions are__but__. Enzymes don't make__reactions__. Instead they just__reactions to occur__and__.

possible, too slow, impossible, possible, allow, easily, rapidly

The active site is where the__binds and__occurs. Biology doesn't need enzymes that react__they need ones that react__with__.

substrate, catalysis, quickly, quickly, correct molecule

Enzymes don't just accelerate reactions, they help determine__,__,__.

which reactions occur, when, and how they influence oral health

Every day, the oral cavity experiences__pH,__acid production,_tooth mineral,__of microbial activity,__dietary challenges

decrease, increase, decrease, increase, increase

Oral bacteria rely on__to maintain energy from sources like__, which they convert into__. These__can alter the__and contribute to__.

enzymes, dietary carbs, acids, acids, oral environment, enamel demineralization

If enzymes were uncontrolled digestion would__, acid production would__, homeostatic responses might__, cellular chemistry will__. in the same order this would cause: nutrients to__, increased risk of__,__would becoming unstable,__would be disrupted.

occur continuously, exceed buffering capacity, failed to adjust, run, unchecked; be processed when not needed, enamel demineralization, oral environment, normal physiology