Enzyme Function and Catalysis in Biological Reactions

Self-replication

Ability of organisms to reproduce independently.

Catalysis

Acceleration of chemical reactions by catalysts.

Sucrose

A disaccharide sugar consumed for energy.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions.

Cellulose

Polysaccharide that breaks down into glucose.

Glycolysis

Metabolic pathway converting glucose to pyruvate.

Electron transport chain

Series of protein complexes for ATP production.

Denaturation

Loss of enzyme activity due to structural change.

Cofactor

Inorganic ion required for enzyme activity.

Coenzyme

Organic molecule aiding enzyme function, often from vitamins.

Holoenzyme

Active enzyme with its cofactor or coenzyme.

Apoenzyme

Inactive enzyme without its cofactor or coenzyme.

Oxidoreductases

Enzymes that transfer electrons in redox reactions.

Transferases

Enzymes that transfer functional groups between molecules.

Hydrolases

Enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis reactions.

Lyases

Enzymes that add or remove groups to double bonds.

Isomerases

Enzymes that convert molecules into isomeric forms.

Ligases

Enzymes that form bonds, typically using ATP.

Active site

Region on enzyme where substrate binds.

Catalyst

Substance that increases reaction rate without changing equilibrium.

Transition state

High-energy state during a chemical reaction.

Binding energy (ΔGB)

Energy released during enzyme-substrate complex formation.

Induced fit

Enzyme changes shape to better fit substrate.

Thermodynamic potentiality

Energy available for work in biochemical processes.

Energy barriers

Obstacles preventing spontaneous breakdown of compounds.