3.3 Enzymes and Activation Energy

Enzymes in energy

Lowering Ea, speeds up rxn rate, influence energy changes w/o supplying it

Activation Energy (Ea)

Energy needed to initiate a chemical reaction.

Exothermic Reaction

Releases energy during the reaction process.

Endothermic Reaction

Absorbs energy from the surroundings.

Catalysts

Substances that speed up reactions without being consumed.

Transition State

Temporary state during reactants to products transformation.

Maltase

Enzyme that hydrolyzes maltose into glucose.

Induced Fit Model

Enzyme changes shape to accommodate substrate.

Maud Menten

Pioneered enzyme kinetics research.

Free Energy Change (ΔG)

Difference in energy between reactants and products.

Thermal Energy

Energy from heat that can initiate reactions.

Reactants

Substances that undergo change in a reaction.

Products

Substances formed as a result of a reaction.

Active Site

Region on enzyme where substrate binds.

Chemical Bonds

Forces holding atoms together in molecules.

Energy Regulation

Controlling reaction rates through energy management.

Strain/Distort

Alters substrate shape to weaken bonds.

Charged Functional Groups

Help attract reactants and facilitate bond breaking.

Hydrolysis

Chemical breakdown involving water.

Spontaneous Reaction

Occurs without external energy input, but needs Ea.

Energy Barrier

Threshold energy level needed for reactions.