Enzymes: Function and Models

Flashcards covering key terminology related to enzymes, their functions, and models of enzyme action.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst made by living organisms that speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction without being changed or used up in the process.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst made by living organisms that speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction without being changed or used up in the process.

Active site

A region on an enzyme that has a unique shape complementary to the substrates, allowing for catalysis.

Substrate

A reactant in a chemical reaction that an enzyme acts upon.

Lock and Key model

An early model of enzyme action where the substrate fits perfectly into the enzyme's active site.

Induced fit model

A model of enzyme action where the enzyme slightly changes shape to fit the substrate upon binding.

Protein

Large molecules made up of long chains of amino acids that can catalyze chemical reactions as enzymes.

Biological catalyst

Another term for enzymes, highlighting their role in speeding up biochemical reactions within living organisms.

Chemical reaction

A process that involves the transformation of reactants into products, often facilitated by enzymes.

Amino acids

The building blocks of proteins, which determine the shape and function of enzymes.