Enzymes Exam Revision

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to enzymes, their functions, and factors affecting their activity.

Enzyme

Proteins that control biochemical pathways and increase reaction rates by lowering activation energy.

Activation Energy

The amount of energy input required for a reaction to start.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

The intermediate formed when a substrate binds to the active site of an enzyme.

Lock and Key Model

A model describing the precise fit between an enzyme's active site and its substrate.

Induced Fit Model

A model indicating that an enzyme changes its shape to better fit the substrate upon binding.

Denaturation

The process where enzymes lose their natural structure due to extreme temperature or pH, leading to loss of activity.

Competitive Inhibition

A type of inhibition where an inhibitor binds to the active site, preventing substrate from binding.

Non-Competitive Inhibition

Inhibition where an inhibitor binds to the enzyme, altering its shape and preventing substrate binding.

Cofactors

Additional components required by some enzymes to catalyse a reaction, such as inorganic ions.

Coenzymes

Small organic cofactors, often vitamins, that are necessary for enzyme function.