Enzyme Properties and Catalysis

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to enzymes and catalysis.

Cofactors

Non-protein components that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Curved arrows

Represent the movement of electrons or electron pairs in a reaction mechanism.

Holoenzyme

The complete enzyme that includes its prosthetic group or cofactor.

Apoenzyme

The protein part of an enzyme that requires a cofactor to be active.

Prosthetic groups

Coenzymes that are permanently attached to enzymes, essential for their activity.

Coenzymes

Organic cofactors that are temporarily associated with enzymes.

Activation energy

The energy required to start a reaction, which enzymes help to lower.

Specificity

The ability of an enzyme to catalyze a specific reaction or act on a specific substrate.

Reaction mechanism

The step-by-step sequence of events that leads to a product in a chemical reaction.

Electron transport chain

A series of protein complexes that facilitate electron transfer in cellular respiration.

Alcohol dehydrogenase

An enzyme that helps convert ethanol to acetaldehyde during metabolism.

Oxidation

A chemical reaction involving the loss of electrons or increase in oxidation state.

Regulation of enzymes

The ability to control enzyme activity, turning it on or off based on cellular needs.

Vital force

A historical concept referring to a supposed force present in living organisms necessary for life.

Enzyme catalyzed reaction

Reactions that occur in living organisms, facilitated by enzymes, to sustain life.

Coupling reactions

The process where an enzyme links spontaneous reactions to non-spontaneous reactions to drive metabolic processes.

Immobilization of reactants

The process by which enzymes hold substrates in close proximity to facilitate a reaction.