Enzymes Flashcards
Enzymes and energy
Enzymes are biological catalysts
Lower the activation energy
What structure is the active site?
Tertiary structure
What is a cofactor?
A substance that has to be present to ensure that an enzyme catalysed reaction takes place at an appropriate rate
How can the tertiary shape be disrupted?
High temp
Extreme ph mutation
What are prosthetic groups?
A cofactor which is permanently bound to an enzyme molecule by covalent bonds
How can cofactors work?
Co- substrates- form part of the substrate to form complementary shape
May change the charge distribution making it easier for temporary bonds in the ES complex to form
Example of a co- factor
Chloride ions in the breakdown of starch by amylase
Zinc ions by carbonic anhydrase in the formation of carbonic acid
Describe induced fit?
Slight changes in shape of active site when binding to mould around substrate.
What does cyanide do?
Inhibits aerobic respiration
