5-1_-_Enzymes

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that lower the activation energy of reactions without changing the energetics or equilibrium.

Activation Energy

The energy required to initiate a reaction by breaking bonds before it can proceed.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, indicated by a negative ΔGo’ value.

Competitive Inhibitors

Molecules that bind to the active site of an enzyme, blocking substrate binding and inhibiting the reaction.

Allosteric Regulation

Control of an enzyme's activity by binding an effector molecule at a site other than the active site.

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism where the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an early step in the pathway.

Coenzymes

Non-protein molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions, often involving metallic elements.

Transition State Stabilization

The process by which enzymes lower the activation energy by stabilizing the transition state of a reaction.

Enzyme Activity Control

Regulation of which metabolic reactions take place in the cell by adjusting enzyme amounts or activity.