Ap biology Unit 3

What are enzymes and their primary function?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy.

What is the structure of enzymes?

Enzymes mainly have tertiary structures, which are crucial for their proper function.

How do active sites interact with substrates?

Active sites bind to substrates, having unique shapes and sizes specific to each substrate.

What factors can denature an enzyme?

Extreme pH, temperature, and salt concentration can denature enzymes.

What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

At high temperatures, enzymes may denature, causing the reaction to slow or stop.

What is the optimal pH range for enzymes?

The optimal pH range for enzymes is typically between 6 and 7.

What is vmax in enzyme activity?

vmax is the maximum rate of reaction when all active sites are saturated with substrates.

What are competitive inhibitors?

Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site and compete with substrates, and they can be reversible.

How do noncompetitive inhibitors affect enzyme activity?

Noncompetitive inhibitors bind to the allosteric site, changing the shape of the active site irreversibly.

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process that converts solar energy into chemical energy (food) occurring in the chloroplast.

What are the two phases of photosynthesis?

The two phases are light reactions and the Calvin cycle.

Where do light reactions occur?

Light reactions take place in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts.

What do light reactions produce?

Light reactions produce oxygen, ATP, and NADPH.

What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll absorbs light energy and drives the synthesis of organic molecules.

What is the Calvin Cycle?

The Calvin Cycle uses ATP and NADPH to fix carbon dioxide into carbohydrates.

What is the starting molecule of the Calvin Cycle?

The starting molecule of the Calvin Cycle is ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).