Enzymes and Indicators Review

Flashcards covering enzyme function, substrate terminology, enzyme properties, amylase/lipase roles, substrate/product concepts, and indicator tests (Lugol's, Benedict's, litmus) relevant to carbohydrates and fats.

What is the role of an enzyme in a chemical reaction?

To speed up reactions by lowering activation energy and aligning substrates, forming an enzyme–substrate complex, while the enzyme itself is not consumed.

In enzyme-catalyzed reactions, what term is used for the starting molecules rather than 'reactants'?

Substrates.

What feature of an enzyme enables it to catalyze a reaction with a specific substrate?

A definite three-dimensional shape with an active site that binds the substrate.

Do enzymes get consumed during a reaction?

No. Enzymes are unchanged after the reaction and can catalyze more reactions.

What is the term for a protein losing its function due to changes in temperature, pH, or ion concentration?

Denaturation.

What are the optimal conditions for an enzyme?

The optimal temperature and pH at which the enzyme works best.

Name the two enzymes discussed for carbohydrate and fat digestion.

Amylase and lipase.

What does amylase do?

Hydrolyzes starch (amylose) to glucose.

What is amylose in relation to starch?

A form (component) of starch used as the substrate in lab discussions.

What does lipase do?

Breaks down triglycerides into glycerol and three fatty acids.

What is the substrate in the triglyceride digestion experiment?

Triglyceride (from cream).

What are the products of complete triglyceride hydrolysis?

Glycerol and three fatty acids.

What indicators are used for carbohydrates and what do they test?

Lugol's solution detects starch; Benedict's solution detects reducing sugars (requires heating to develop color).

What color does Lugol's iodine turn when starch is present?

Blue-black.

How does Benedict's test indicate sugar presence and how does color change with more sugar?

Starts blue; after heating, color shifts toward green/yellow/orange/red as sugar increases; brick red indicates a large amount of sugar.

What does a blue Benedict's solution indicate about sugar presence?

No detectable sugar detected (negative result).

How is diabetes related to Benedict's test interpretation?

Elevated sugar in urine can cause Benedict's test to show a color change from blue, indicating high sugar levels.

What indicator is used for fats, and what color change signals fatty acid production?

Litmus; it starts blue in basic environments and turns pink/red as acids (fatty acids) appear.