N5S3 - Enzyme Activity - 1.10

Question 1

Define a Degradation reaction

Answer 1

It is a breakdown reaction - a substrate is broken down into products

Question 2

Define a synthesis reaction

Answer 2

It is a build up reaction - substrates are built up to make a single product.

Question 3

Give one example of a degradation reaction and name the enzyme specific to it

Answer 3

Hydrogen Peroxide → Water + Oxygen

• the specific enzyme is Catalase. Catalase cannot speed up any other reaction except this one.

Question 4

Give one example of a synthesis reaction and name the enzyme specific to it

Answer 4

Glucose-1-Phosphate → Starch

• the specific enzyme is Phosphorylase. Phosphorylase cannot speed up any other reaction except this one.