SB1 Key concepts in biology Flashcards
What is an enzyme?
An enzyme is a type of protein that joins together with an active site, is usually acts as a catalyst for a reaction.
What does it mean when something has denatured?
When something has denatured it means that it is above its optimum Ph and therefore it has stopped reacting.
What is the difference between a substrate and a product?
A substrate is something which the enzyme acts on in order to make the product.
What is an active site?
The active site is something that joins to an enzyme during a reaction.
Describe the test for starch.
Add iodine to the sample you wish to test if the substance turns to a dark blue or black color this is a positive result which means that there is starch in the substance. Since iodine is already an orangey-yellow color, if the substances remains the same color there is most likely no substance presence.
Describe the tests for sugar.
Add benedict solutions to your boiling tubes and place the solution you want to test for sugars in the boiling tube. If the boiling tubes turn a light blue/aqua there is almost no sugar present, if the substances turns a yellow or green there is likely small traces of sugar present and if the substance turns into a deep red there is most likely high amounts of sugar.
Describe the test for proteins.
Add potassium hydroxide to a boiling tube containing the solution that you wish to test. If there is protein present the substance will turn a lilac or purple color, if there is no protein present the substance will remain a blue color.
Describe the tests for fats.
Add ethanol into a boiling tube along with the solution you want to test for, if the substance turns into a white or cloudy emulsion then it is a positive result, a negative result will be a clear and transparent solution.
What is Osmosis?
When a solvent can pass through a semi permeable membrane, from a less concentrate solution into a more concentrated solution.
What is diffusion?
The movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
What is the definition of magnification?
The visual enlargement of a small object
