B2.5 Proteins - their functions and uses Flashcards
(37 cards)
What are proteins made up of?
Long chains of amino acids
How are amino acids structured?
They are folded to produce a specific shape that enable other molecules to fit into the protein
What do proteins act as?
Hormones, antibodies, catalysts and structural components of tissues such as muscles
What do catalysts do?
Increase the rate of chemical reactions
What is the name for biological catalysts?
Enzymes
What are enzymes?
Proteins
Why does every enzyme have a unique shape?
So it can fit onto the substance involved in a reaction
What happens if the enzyme doesn’t fit the substances shape?
It will not catalyse the reaction
The shape of an enzyme is…
Vital for the enzyme’s function
What happens if the temperatures are too high for an enzyme?
It’s shape is destroyed and changed, it becomes denatured
What also affects enzymes?
pH
Different enzymes work best at…
Different pH values
Do all enzymes work inside cells?
No, some enzymes work outside body cells, e.g. the digestive enzymes
What do digestive enzymes catalyse?
The breakdown of large food molecules into smaller molecules
What is the enzyme amylase produced by?
The salivary glands, pancreas and the small intestine
What does amylase catalyse?
The breakdown of starch into sugars in the mouth and the small intestine
What is the enzyme protease produced by?
The stomach, pancreas and the small intestine
What does protease catalyse?
The breakdown of proteins into amino acids in the stomach and the small intestine
What sis the enzyme lipase produced by?
The pancreas and the small intestine
What does lipase catalyse?
The breakdown of lipids (fats and oils) into fatty acids and glycerol in the small intestine
What does the stomach also produce?
Hydrochloric acid
Why does the stomach produce hydrochloric acid?
Because the enzymes work best in acidic conditions
What does the liver produce?
Bile
Where is the bile stored?
In the gall bladder