Enzyme Basics
What is the main function of enzymes?
Enzymes act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
What type of bond helps maintain the enzyme’s three-dimensional shape?
Hydrogen bonds
How does temperature affect enzyme activity?
Too low slows down reactions, too high can denature the enzyme.
What type of reaction do enzymes use to break down polymers?
Hydrolysis
What is an example of an enzyme in the human digestive system?
Amylase, which breaks down starch!
What is the term for the specific region on an enzyme where a substrate binds?
The active site.
What happens to the shape of the active site when a noncompetitive inhibitor binds to an enzyme?
The enzyme’s shape changes, making it harder for the substrate to bind.
How does pH influence enzyme activity?
Extreme pH levels can disrupt bonds in the enzyme, leading to denaturation.
What type of reaction do enzymes use to build polymers?
Dehydration synthesis.
What enzyme helps break down lactose in dairy products?
Lactase
What happens when an enzyme undergoes denaturation?
The enzyme loses its shape, preventing it from binding to the substrate and functioning properly.
What is the function of cofactors and coenzymes in enzyme activity?
They help enzymes function properly by assisting in catalysis.
What happens to the reaction rate when substrate concentration increases?
The reaction rate increases until all enzymes are saturated.
Do enzymes change the total energy released or absorbed in a reaction?
No, they only change the speed of the reaction
Why are enzymes important in medicine?
They are used in drug development and disease treatment
What type of macromolecule are enzymes made of?
Proteins
What determines the specificity of an enzyme for its substrate?
The shape of the active site and the chemical interactions between the enzyme and substrate.
What are the two types of enzyme inhibitors?
Competitive and noncompetitive inhibitors.
What is activation energy?
The amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction
Why do some laundry detergents contain enzymes?
Enzymes break down proteins, fats, and starches in stains
What is the name of the model that describes how enzymes and substrates fit together?
The induced fit model
What happens when an enzyme is at its optimal conditions?
It functions at its highest efficiency, catalyzing reactions at maximum speed.
What effect does increasing enzyme concentration have on the reaction rate?
It increases the reaction rate as long as there is enough substrate available
How do enzymes affect activation energy?
They lower the activation energy needed for a reaction to proceed
How are enzymes used in the food industry?
They help process dairy, brewing, and baking by breaking down or modifying specific molecules.