lecture recording on 05 March 2025 at 14.54.51 PM

Enzyme

A specific type of protein that catalyzes biochemical reactions, reducing the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Active Site

The specific region on an enzyme where substrates bind and the chemical reaction occurs.

Substrate

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Transition State

An unstable, high-energy state during a chemical reaction where bonds are breaking and forming.

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Induced Fit Model

A model of enzyme activity in which the enzyme changes shape slightly to better fit the substrate during binding.

Cofactor

An inorganic ion that assists an enzyme in catalyzing a reaction.

Coenzyme

An organic molecule that aids the action of enzymes.

Allosteric Regulation

Regulation of an enzyme's activity through binding of a molecule at a site other than the active site.

Competitive Inhibition

A form of enzyme inhibition where a substance competes with the substrate for binding to the active site.

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism in cells where the accumulation of an end product inhibits an enzyme involved in its synthesis.

Metabolic Pathways

A series of chemical reactions that occur within a cell, leading to the conversion of substrates into products.

Catabolic Pathway

A metabolic pathway that breaks down molecules to produce energy.

Anabolic Pathway

A metabolic pathway that builds complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often used as a regulatory mechanism in enzyme function.

Denaturation

The process by which an enzyme or protein loses its native structure and functionality due to environmental factors such as temperature or pH.

Free Energy (ΔG)

The change in energy that occurs during a chemical reaction, reflecting the energy available to do work.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH in the process.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells, used to store and transfer energy for cell functions.