Lesson 7: Catalysts

Flashcards covering key concepts related to catalysts and enzymes from Lesson 7.

Catalysts

Substances that influence chemical bonds to lower the activation energy of a reaction.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in biological systems.

Substrate Binding Site

The specific region on an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Equilibrium

The state in a chemical reaction where the rates of reactants converting to products and products converting back to reactants are equal.

Endergonic Reactions

Reactions that require energy input, characterized by a positive change in free energy.

Catalytic Cycle

The sequence of events in which the enzyme binds the substrate, catalyzes the reaction, and releases products.

Products

The substances that are produced as a result of a chemical reaction.

Factors Influencing Enzyme Function

Factors such as temperature, pH, and inhibitors that can affect enzyme activity.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

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

Stress on Bonds

The strain placed on bonds during the binding of the substrate that facilitates the breaking and forming of new bonds.