Topic 1 Notes:

Enzyme Specificity

Each enzyme catalyzes only one type of reaction due to the shape and structure of its active site.

Active Site

The specific region of the enzyme where substrate binding occurs and catalysis takes place.

Induced Fit Model

Hypothesis suggesting that substrate binding changes the enzyme's shape for a tighter fit and efficient catalysis.

Ameloglucosidase

An enzyme with maltodextrin as a substrate and glucose as a product.

Glucose Isomerase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glucose to fructose.

Denaturation

Process where high temperatures lead to loss of functional shape of the enzyme, rendering it inactive.

Proteases

Enzymes that break down proteins into amino acids.

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Competitive Inhibition

A substance that binds to the active site, blocking substrate access.

Non-competitive Inhibition

An inhibitor that binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, preventing substrate binding.

DNA Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA, affecting gene expression by silencing genes.

RNA Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)

A complex that can lead to the degradation of mRNA or inhibit protein synthesis.

Base Substitution Mutation

A mutation where one base is swapped for another, potentially altering the amino acid encoded.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by the deletion or addition of bases, shifting the reading frame of codons.

Acetylation of Histones

The addition of acetyl groups to histones, leading to increased gene accessibility for transcription.

Silent Mutations

Mutations that do not change the resultant amino acid and thus do not affect protein function.

Nonsense Mutations

Mutations that create a stop codon, leading to premature termination of protein synthesis.

Quaternary Structure

The complex formation of multiple polypeptide chains to form a functional enzyme.

Temperature Effects on Enzyme Activity

Enzyme activity increases with optimal temperature but denatures beyond it.

pH Effects on Enzyme Activity

Enzymes have optimal pH levels for activity; deviation can lead to denaturation.