Enzymes

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up reactions by modifying specific substances called substrates.

Activation level

The amount of energy needed for a reaction to begin.

Active site

The part of the enzyme where the substrate binds and reacts.

Specificity

Enzymes are specific to substrates because only substrates with the right shape can bind to the enzyme.

Optimum temperature

The suitable temperature for enzymes to function properly, typically 37 degrees.

pH levels

Fluctuations in pH can make it difficult for substrates to bind to the active site and can denature enzymes.

Enzyme concentration

Increasing enzyme concentration increases the rate of reaction until a certain concentration is reached.

Substrate concentration

Increasing substrate concentration increases the rate of reaction until a certain concentration is reached.

Inhibition

Reduces or stop enzyme activity by blocking or distorting the active site.

Competitive inhibitors

Inhibitors that occupy the active site and prevent substrate binding.

Non-competitive inhibitors

Inhibitors that attach to parts of the enzyme (excluding the active site) and distort the enzyme's shape.

Lock and Key Model

Describes how a substrate fits into an enzyme's active site, similar to a key fitting into a lock.

Amino acids

Building blocks of enzymes, joined together in a long chain to form a unique 3D structure.

Shape

The shape of an enzyme is important as it directly affects how it catalyzes a reaction.

Sequence of amino acids

Determines the shape of an enzyme, and different types of enzymes have different shapes and functions based on the order and type of amino acids in their structure.