Enzymes Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes about enzymes, their function, and factors affecting their activity.

Enzymes

Globular protein catalysts that increase the rate of biochemical reactions without being consumed by the reaction.

Activation Energy (EA)

The energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction where Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG) is less than 0, indicating a spontaneous reaction.

Active Site

The site on the enzyme where the substrate binds and the chemical reaction occurs.

Induced Fit

The alteration of the active site's shape due to functional group interactions when the substrate binds.

Substrate Specificity

The characteristic of an enzyme's active site being shaped so that only a specific substrate will fit.

Cofactors

Inorganic ions that aid in the functioning of enzymes, potentially binding to the active site or the substrate.

Coenzymes

Non-protein organic molecules that aid in the functioning of enzymes, often vitamin derivatives.

Competitive Inhibition

When substances compete with the substrate for an enzyme’s active site.

Non-competitive (Allosteric) Inhibition

When chemicals attach to a site other than the active site on the enzyme, causing a shape change that makes the active site non-functional.

Feedback Inhibition

A process where the product of the last enzyme in a biochemical pathway acts as an allosteric inhibitor of the first enzyme in the chain.