Enzymes

function

Catalyze chemical reactions in the body, enzymes usually end in -ase.

activation energy

Energy required for the reaction to take place. enzymes lower this

Substrate

The molecule that the enzyme reacts with, enzymes are specific to a few substrates.

Active site

Where the substrate bonds

Coenzyme

Organic molecules that help enzyme (often vitamins)

Cofactor

Non-organic molecules that help enzyme

Factors that can affect enzyme activity

Temp, pH level, and substrate levels, enzymes in our body have optimal temp around 37 degrees

allosteric site

site on the enzyme that is NOT the active site

competitive inhibitor

binds to the active site, preventing the substrate from binding. “competitive” because both the inhibitor and substrate ate competing for the enzyme active site

Non-competitive inhibitor

Binds to an allosteric site, changing the shape of the enzyme thus changing the shape of the active site. If the active site is warped, a substrate can no longer fit in, to bond.