Enzymes: Biological Catalysts Summary

Flashcards covering key concepts related to enzymes as biological catalysts, their functions, and factors affecting their activity.

What is a catalyst?

A substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering activation energy.

What are enzymes?

Organic catalysts that are proteins, which are not permanently changed or consumed in reactions.

What is the active site of an enzyme?

The specific location where the substrate binds to the enzyme.

What happens during denaturation of an enzyme?

The three-dimensional shape of the enzyme changes, resulting in a non-functional active site.

What factors affect enzyme activity?

Substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, temperature, pH, and allosteric regulators.

What is the purpose of catalase?

To catalyze the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen.

What was observed about the effect of boiling on catalase?

Boiling denatured catalase, making it non-functional.

How does manganese dioxide (MnO2) compare to catalase?

Both catalyze the breakdown of H2O2, but MnO2 is inorganic and remained functional after boiling.

What is the role of lactase?

To break down lactose into galactose and glucose.

Why can't lactase break down sucrose?

Sucrose does not completely fit in the active site of lactase, thus preventing hydrolysis.