Chapter 8: Cells at Work Flashcards
What is an enzyme?
Enzymes are proteins and help catalyse reactions in the body
Where are enzymes produced?
They are produced inside cells
How many types of reactions can an enzyme catalyse?
They can only catalyse one type of reaction
Do enzymes become a part of the products of a reaction?
No they do not
What are enzymes sensitive to?
pH
Temperature
Where can enzymes work?
Both inside and outside a cell
What is an active site?
They are specific parts of the enzyme that can only react with a particular chemical
What is a substrate?
This is a specific part of a chemical that bonds to the enzyme’s active site
What is an exergonic reaction?
This is a reaction that releases energy
What is an endergonic reaction?
This is a reaction that absorbs energy
What is metabolism?
This is the total chemical activity of an enzyme
What does metabolism involve?
Synthesis of molecules
Energy transformations
Recycling
Breakdown of unwanted substances
What are metabolic pathways?
The way in which enzymes work in chains to achieve metabolism
What can impact the rate of reactions for enzymes?
Temperature
pH
Concentration of enzyme and substrate
What happens as the temperature rises inside the body?
Molecules have more kinetic energy, and it can speed up reactions
If the temperature gets too high, the proteins denature and no longer performs its function
