(U3) 5C: Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis

rate

the speed at which a chemical reaction proceeds

plateau

to reach a state where no further change occurs

saturation point

the point at which a substance (e.g. an enzyme) cannot receive more of another substance (e.g. a substrate)

limiting factor

a factor that prevents the rate of reaction from increasing

limiting reagent

a reactant that prevents the rate of reaction from increasing

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

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