Enzyme Function and Activity
What is the function of enzymes?
Enzymes catalyze reactions, which means that they speed up reactions without being consumed by the reaction
Define what an enzyme is.
An enzyme is a molecule that functions as a biological catalyst. This means that enzymes decrease the activation energy.
Where does a substrate fit into on an enzyme?
The active site
Because it activates the reactants of a chemical reaction
They speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy needed in order for a reaction to begin
True or false? Nearly all enzymes are proteins.
True!
What does an enzyme look like at the beginning of a catalytic cycle?
An enzyme initially has an empty active site.
What is the purpose of an activation energy barrier?
Protection of highly ordered molecules within cells from breaking down spontaneously breaking down
What is the optimal pH for most enzymes?
As close to neutrality as possible, typically between 6 and 8 on the pH scale
Define what a substrate is.
A substrate is the specific reactant that an enzyme acts on.
What makes an enzyme so specific?
Name one particular way that reactions can be sped up.
Heat
Why might vitamins be important in nutrition when you think about enzymes?
Vitamins are so important because they act as coenzymes
What is another term to describe the activation energy of a reaction?
Energy barrier
What are some factors that may play into denaturation?
Temperature, pH, or salinity
What is the result of a lowered energy barrier when an enzyme is involved?
What are some medications that can inhibit enzyme activity?
Ibuprofen, blood pressure medications, antibiotics, HIV medications, antidepressants, prostaglandins
Name a type of chemical reaction that enzymes can assist with as catalysts.
Hydrolysis
What is the difference between a competitive inhibitor and a noncompetitive inhibitor?
While a competitive inhibitor blocks the substrate molecules from entering the active site, noncompetitive inhibitors do not enter the active site, instead binging to a site found somewhere else on the enzyme
When an enzyme is involved, does the activation energy barrier get higher or lower?
Lower