Enzymes Flashcards
1
Q
What are enzymes?
A
Globular (soluble) proteins that act as a biological catalyst
2
Q
What is activation energy?
A
Energy input required to start a chemical reaction
3
Q
How do enzymes function as catalysts?
A
Lower activation energy input required by providing an alternate pathway for chemical reaction
4
Q
What are the features of enzymes?
A
- Very specific
- Substrate is the specific reactant molecule
- Becomes complimentary (induced fit)
- Products released as new shape no longer fits active site
- Can work again after products dissociate
5
Q
Describe the protein shape
A
- 3D tertiary shape is precise and critical to enzyme function
- Hydrophobic region inside
- Hydrophilic region outside in watery environment of cell
- Shape determines function
- Denaturation alters tertiary structure and distorts active site
6
Q
Why do enzymes denature?
A
Change in pH or temperature
7
Q
What is synthesis?
A
The joining together of two substrates to form one product
8
Q
What is degradation?
A
The breaking down of one substrate to form two products
9
Q
Explain induced fit
A
- Shape of active site is not completely complementary to substrate
- As substrate binds, shape of active site changes and becomes complementary to the substrate
- Enzyme substrate complex forms
- Causes stressing and distortion of bonds in substrate causing them to break
- Product is formed and released
10
Q
What are the 2 ways rate of catalysed reaction can be measured by?
A
- Formation of product
- Disappearance of substrate
11
Q
What does qualitative mean?
A
Based on subjective readings.
