enzymes

activation energy

Energy needed to get a reaction started

enzyme

A biological catalyst that lowers the activation energy and speeds up chemical reactions

exergonic reaction

a type of reaction that releases energy ex. hydrolysis

endergonic reaction

a type of reaction that requires an input of energy ex. dehydration synthesis

substrate

A specific reactant acted upon by an enzyme

active site

The part of an enzyme in which the substrate binds and the chemical reaction occurs

denaturation

a process in which a protein loses its shape as a result of the breaking of chemical bonds

enzymes can be denatured by

changes in pH and temperature

enzyme-substrate complex

lock and key analogy for enzymes

Enzymes and their substrate fit perfectly together like a lock and a key. Only one substrate can fit in the active site of an enzyme, just like only one key can open a lock.