Set 2: Properties of Enzymes & Activation Energy

What is the typical shape of an enzyme?

A three-dimensional folded globular shape

What is enzyme specificity?

An enzyme acts on a particular substrate due to the shape of its active site

What is an active site?

The specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds

What is a substrate?

The reactant molecule on which an enzyme acts

What is an enzyme-substrate complex?

A temporary complex formed when a substrate binds to an enzyme

What are products in an enzyme reaction?

The molecules formed from the substrate during the reaction

What happens to an enzyme after a reaction?

It remains unchanged overall and can be reused

What is activation energy?

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to begin

How do enzymes speed up chemical reactions?

By lowering the activation energy

Do enzymes get used up during reactions?

No they remain available to catalyse further reactions

Do enzymes change the overall energy difference between reactants and products?

No they only lower the activation energy

What happens to the reaction rate when activation energy is lowered?

The reaction rate increases

What is the function of an enzyme?

To speed up chemical reactions by acting as a biological catalyst