Enzymes Flashcards
(7 cards)
1
Q
In general, what are enzymes?
A
Enzymes are proteins that act as organic catalysts (speeds up chemical reactions).
2
Q
What do substrates bind to?
A
The active site on an enzyme.
3
Q
Why are enzymes recycled after a chemical reaction?
A
Enzymes remain chemically unaltered during a chemical reaction, hence it can be recycled.
4
Q
What is the ‘Active Site’
A
The active site is a specific region of an enzyme that must be complementary to the shape of the substrate(s).
5
Q
What is an Enzyme-substrate complex?
A
An Enzyme-substrate complex is formed when substrates bind to the active site of an enzyme.
6
Q
Describe the steps during enzyme action
A
- As the substrate bins to the enzyme, it induces a conformational (shape) change in the enzyme, causing the two molecules to fit more tightly together (induced fit).
- The pressure exerted by this tighter fit, causes bonds in the substrate(s) to weaken and break (Enzyme/Product complex).
- Finally, the enzyme separates from the products and is free to bind to new substrate(s).
7
Q
What are the two reasons why enzymes increase activation energy?
A
- The induced fit creates pressure on the chemical bonds of the substrate, so bonds weaken and break! OR
- The substrate is orientated, exposing the weaker bonds so they break easier.
