Unit 6_Enzyme Basics: Structure and Function

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of enzymes, including their structure, theories of binding, naming conventions, and the factors that influence their effectiveness.

Enzymes

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions while using less energy; they increase the rate of reaction while decreasing the activation energy needed to start it.

Substrate

The substance which an enzyme acts on to produce a chemical reaction.

Active Site

The part of the enzyme that directly binds to a specific substrate and where the chemical reaction occurs.

Products

The converted substance produced by the enzyme-substrate complex.

Inhibitor

A molecule that blocks the active site so the substrate cannot bind to the enzyme.

Rate

The speed at which a reaction occurs.

Catalyze

A term meaning to speed up a chemical reaction.

Catalyst

Another name for an enzyme.

Activation energy

The amount of energy needed to start a chemical reaction.

Lactase

An enzyme that breaks down lactose in the digestive system.

Salivary Amylase

An enzyme present in saliva that helps start breaking down food in the mouth so digestion in the stomach can happen at a faster rate.

Lock and Key Theory

The theory that the active site of an enzyme is precisely shaped to hold specific substrates.

Induced-fit Theory

The theory that the active site and substrate don't fit perfectly together and instead alter their shape slightly to connect.

Sucrase

An enzyme that breaks down sucrose.

Proteases

Enzymes that break down proteins.

Temperature (Enzyme Factor)

A factor that impacts function; if it is too extreme (too high or too low), an enzyme will denature.

pH

A measure of acidity; enzymes only work in specific ranges, and extreme levels will cause them to denature.

Enzyme Concentration

The amount of enzyme present; a higher concentration results in faster reactions.

Substrate Concentration

The amount of substrate present; a higher concentration results in faster reactions.

Denature

To permanently change the shape of an enzyme so it will no longer work because the substrate cannot bind to the active site.