Enzyme Function and Catalysis

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to enzyme function, catalysis, and the conditions affecting enzyme activity.

Catalyst

A chemical agent that speeds up a reaction without being consumed in the process.

Enzyme

An organic catalyst that is typically composed of proteins.

Active Site

The specific region of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind.

Substrate

The reactants that enzymes act upon.

Activation Energy (EA)

The initial amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

The temporary complex formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate.

Competitive Inhibition

A type of inhibition where a competitor mimics the substrate and competes for the active site.

Allosteric Site

A site on an enzyme that can bind regulators, which can alter enzyme activity.

Denaturation

The process by which proteins lose their structure due to external stress, leading to loss of function.

Saturation

A condition in a reaction where all enzyme active sites are occupied by substrates.