Enzymes and Redox Reactions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to enzymes, their activity, and the principles of redox reactions, as discussed in the lecture.

Enzymes

Organic catalysts made up of proteins that speed up chemical reactions.

Emil Fischer

Creator of the Lock and Key Model in 1894

Substrate

The substance upon which an enzyme acts.

Lock and Key Model

A model that describes the specific interaction between an enzyme and its substrate.

Optimum Temperature

The temperature at which an enzyme is most active, generally between 30⁰C and 40⁰C.

pH Level

A measure of acidity or alkalinity; any change in pH can lead to enzyme inactivity.

Redox Reactions

Chemical reactions involving electron transfer, crucial for biological processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Oxidation

The process of losing electrons.

Reduction

The process of gaining electrons.

Reducing Agent

A molecule that loses electrons in a redox reaction.

Oxidizing Agent

A molecule that gains electrons in a redox reaction.

Proteases

Enzymes that break down proteins into amino acids.

Carbohydrases

Enzymes that break down carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Lipases

Enzymes that break down fats or lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.

Nucleases

Enzymes that break down nucleic acids into nucleotides.

Factors affecting Enzyme Activity

Temperature, pH levels, and type of substrate are key factors influencing enzyme function.

Activation Energy

The energy required to start a chemical reaction; can be lowered by enzymes.