Enzymes and Protein Structure

Flashcards covering key concepts related to enzymes, protein structure, and their functions.

Protein Monomer

Amino acid, the basic building block of proteins.

Protein Polymer

Peptide chain, formed by amino acids linked together.

Amino Acid

The specific order of amino acid monomers in a polypeptide that determines protein shape.

Functional Protein

A structure consisting of one or more polypeptides twisted, folded, and coiled into a unique shape.

Enzyme

Specialized proteins that speed up chemical reactions.

Substrate

The starting material that an enzyme acts on.

Active Site

The location in an enzyme that binds to the substrate and catalyzes the reaction.

Lock and Key Model

A simplistic model of enzyme action where the substrate fits into the enzyme's active site.

Induced Fit Model

A more accurate model of enzyme action where substrate binding causes the enzyme to change shape for a tighter fit.

Reaction Specificity

Each enzyme works with a specific substrate, influenced by chemical fit.

Optimal Temperature

The temperature range where enzymes function best, typically between 35°C and 40°C for human enzymes.

Denaturation

The process where an enzyme loses its 3D shape and functionality due to extremes in temperature or pH.

Optimal pH

The specific pH range in which an enzyme operates most effectively, typically between pH 6-8 for human enzymes.

Enzyme Concentration

The amount of enzyme present which affects the reaction rate until the substrate becomes the limiting factor.

Substrate Concentration

The amount of substrate present which affects the reaction rate until the enzyme becomes saturated.