Enzyme Activity and Thermodynamics

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to enzyme activity, thermodynamics, and biochemical reactions.

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Gibbs Free Energy (G)

The energy available to do work or 'useful' energy in a system.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, resulting in a negative change in free energy (ΔG).

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires energy input, resulting in a positive change in free energy (ΔG).

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a biological catalyst, accelerating chemical reactions without being consumed.

Active Site

The region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Allosteric Site

A site on an enzyme that is separate from the active site and can bind regulatory molecules.

Competitive Inhibition

A type of enzyme inhibition where an inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site.

Non-Competitive Inhibition

An inhibition mechanism where the inhibitor binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, altering the enzyme's shape.

Coupled Reactions

The transfer of energy from one reaction to another to drive the second reaction forward.

Catabolic Pathway

A metabolic pathway that breaks down complex molecules to release energy.

Anabolic Pathway

A metabolic pathway that builds complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Allosteric Activator

A molecule that binds to an allosteric site, increasing enzyme activity.

Feedback Inhibition

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

Temperature Effect on Enzymes

Increasing temperature can enhance reaction rates until enzymes denature and lose activity.

pH Effect on Enzymes

Enzymes have optimal pH ranges for activity; deviations can lead to reduced activity or denaturation.

ΔG (Change in Free Energy)

The difference in Gibbs free energy between products and reactants; indicates spontaneity of reactions.