Chemical Reactions and Enzymes

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts related to chemical reactions and enzymes.

Chemical Equation

A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction showing the reactants and products.

Reactants

Substances that enter into a chemical reaction.

Products

Substances that are produced as a result of a chemical reaction.

Synthesis Reaction

A type of chemical reaction where smaller particles are combined to form larger molecules.

Decomposition Reaction

A type of chemical reaction where a molecule is broken down into simpler substances.

Exchange Reaction

A type of chemical reaction where bonds are broken and formed, resulting in the exchange of partners among reactants.

Redox Reactions

Reactions that involve the transfer of electrons, where one substance is oxidized and another is reduced.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, resulting in products that have less energy than the reactants.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs energy, resulting in products that have more potential energy than the reactants.

Activation Energy

The energy required to break the bonds of the reactants so that they can rearrange and form products.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed or changed in the process.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst that lowers the activation energy of a reaction.

Substrate

The substance upon which an enzyme acts.

Hydrolases

Enzymes that catalyze the addition of water during hydrolysis.

Oxidases

Enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of reactants by adding oxygen or removing hydrogen.