CHM 2010 - Enzymes & Vitamins

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to enzymes and vitamins as discussed in the lecture.

Enzyme

A biochemical catalyst for cellular chemical reactions.

Substrate

The reactant molecule that interacts with the enzyme.

Apoenzyme

The protein part of a conjugated enzyme, consisting only of amino acids.

Cofactor

The non-protein part of a conjugated enzyme that provides a chemically reactive group.

Oxidoreductases

Enzymes that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions.

Hydrolases

Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of various bonds.

Active site

The binding/docking site on an enzyme for the substrate.

Induced Fit Model

A model describing how the substrate causes a conformational change in the enzyme.

Allosteric site

A binding site on an enzyme that is distinct from the active site.

Feedback Control

Regulation in which the product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an enzyme involved in its production.

Zymogen

An inactive form of an enzyme that requires modification to become active.

Vitamins

Essential compounds that organisms must obtain from their diet and often serve as cofactors.

Water Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins that must be regularly replenished as they are excreted in urine.

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins that are stored in fat tissue and may be toxic if consumed in high concentrations.

Cofactors vs Coenzymes

Cofactors are non-protein molecules, while coenzymes are organic cofactors that assist enzyme action.

Competitive Inhibition

A type of enzyme inhibition where the inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site.

Noncompetitive Inhibition

A type of inhibition where the inhibitor binds to an allosteric site, reducing enzymatic activity.

Irreversible Inhibition

Inhibition where the inhibitor permanently inactivates the enzyme by covalent modification.

Thiamin (B1)

A water-soluble vitamin functioning primarily as a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism.

Niacin (B3)

A water-soluble vitamin that serves as a precursor for coenzymes involved in redox reactions.

Folate

A water-soluble B vitamin important for DNA synthesis and repair.

Vitamin K

A fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting.

Cholecalciferol (D3)

A form of Vitamin D produced in the skin from sunlight exposure.