Enzymes: Definitions

LC HL Biology flashcards

Catalyst

A substance that alters the rate of reaction without being used itself

Enzymes

Biological catalyst

Anabolic reactions

Convert smaller molecules into larger ones (using energy)

Catalyst

Larger molecules broken down to simple molecules (releasing energy)

Substrate

Substance the enzyme reacts with

Product

Substance formed from reaction

Active site

Part of the enzyme that reacts with a substrate

Enzyme specificity

Each enzyme acts on only one kind of substrate

Denatured

An enzyme that has lost its shape, can no longer carry out its function

Optimum activity

This is the most ideal conditions for an enzyme with it’s rate of activity at a maximum