Enzymes Flashcards

Flashcards to review key vocabulary and concepts related to enzymes, their function, and factors affecting their activity.

Enzymes

Proteins that function as biological catalysts in metabolic reactions.

Biological Catalysts

Substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction and are not changed by the reaction; enzymes are effective in small amounts and can be reused.

Optimum Temperature for Enzymes (in the human body)

37°C

Metabolic Reactions

All the chemical reactions that occur inside an organism's body.

Active Site

The specific region of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and a chemical reaction takes place.

Substrate

The molecule that fits into the active site of an enzyme and undergoes a chemical reaction.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

A temporary molecule formed when the substrate binds to the enzyme's active site.

Product

The molecules or substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction or biological process involving enzymes.

Denatured (Enzymes)

When an enzyme's active site has changed shape due to factors like temperature or pH, and it no longer functions properly.

Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity

Enzyme activity increases with temperature up to an optimum point due to increased kinetic energy and more frequent collisions. Beyond the optimum, activity decreases rapidly as the enzyme denatures.

Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity

Enzyme activity increases to an optimal pH and then decreases. Extreme pH levels disrupt hydrogen bonds and denature the enzyme.