Enzyme Basics
These biological molecules act as catalysts in biochemical reactions.
Enzymes
This type of molecule helps enzymes do their job faster.
catalyst
The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce is called this.
natural selection
These are the four major classes of biomolecules essential for life.
carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids
Enzymes have evolved to work optimally at specific these, depending on an organism’s environment.
temp. and ph levels
Enzymes speed up these types of reactions in the body.
chemical reactions
Enzymes that break down food in your stomach are called these.
digestive enzymes
This term describes changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to evolution.
mutations
This type of biomolecule is primarily used for long-term energy storage in the body.
lipids
This evolutionary process can lead to the development of new enzyme functions.
gene duplication
Enzymes are mostly made up of these building blocks.
protein
This type of inhibitor binds to an enzyme's active site, blocking the substrate.
competitive inhibitor
This scientist is known as the father of evolution by natural selection.
Charles Darwin
The monomers of proteins are called these.
amino acids
Natural selection can lead to enzymes that are resistant to this, helping bacteria survive antibiotics.
inhibitors
Enzymes work best at a specific temperature and this environmental factor.
ph
This term describes enzymes that need a non-protein helper, like a metal ion or vitamin, to function.
The evolutionary process that results in a new species is known as this.
speciation
DNA and RNA are types of these biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information.
nucleic acid
Evolutionary changes in these can lead to altered enzyme functions, affecting an organism’s fitness.
amino acid sequence
This simple term describes a substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up.
catalyst
Enzymes need extra help to work sometimes.
cofactors and coenzymes
This type of natural selection favors average traits over extreme ones.
stabilizing selection
This carbohydrate is the primary source of energy for cells.
glucose
This type of selection favors enzymes that improve an organism’s ability to metabolize new or abundant resources.
directional selection