Enzymes

What are enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

What is the active site?

The active site is a specific region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind.

Define substrate.

A substrate is the reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

What is enzyme specificity?

Enzyme specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to select for a particular substrate.

What is the lock and key model?

The lock and key model describes how the enzyme's active site is complementary to the shape of the substrate.

What is the induced fit model?

The induced fit model suggests that the enzyme changes shape slightly to fit the substrate more closely.

What factors affect enzyme activity?

Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration affect enzyme activity.

What is the optimal temperature for most human enzymes?

The optimal temperature for most human enzymes is around 37 degrees Celsius.

What is denaturation?

Denaturation is the process in which an enzyme loses its structure and function due to extreme conditions.

What role do coenzymes play?

Coenzymes are organic molecules that assist enzymes by carrying chemical groups during the reaction.

What are enzyme inhibitors?

Enzyme inhibitors are substances that decrease enzyme activity by binding to the enzyme.

What is competitive inhibition?

Competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor competes with the substrate for binding to the active site.

What is non-competitive inhibition?

Non-competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, changing its shape.

What are allosteric sites?

Allosteric sites are regions on an enzyme where molecules can bind and affect the enzyme's activity.

What is the difference between catabolic and anabolic reactions?

Catabolic reactions break down molecules and release energy, while anabolic reactions build up molecules and require energy.