enzymes

• What are enzymes?


  Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed.
• Why are enzymes considered biological catalysts?

  Because they speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
• What is the primary composition of most enzymes?

  Most enzymes are proteins.
• What does it mean for an enzyme to be specific?

  Each enzyme catalyzes a particular reaction.
• How are enzymes reused in biochemical reactions?


  Enzymes are not consumed in the reaction and can be used repeatedly.
• What is the active site of an enzyme?

  The active site is a pocket or groove where the reaction occurs.
• What is a substrate in the context of enzyme activity?

  The substrate is the molecule that the enzyme acts upon.
• How does the amino acid sequence relate to enzyme function?

  The amino acid sequence determines the enzyme's 3D structure, which is crucial for its function.
• What are cofactors in relation to enzymes?

  Cofactors are non-protein components that some enzymes require to function properly.
• What is the "lock and key" model in enzyme activity?

  The "lock and key" model describes how the active site of an enzyme fits perfectly with its specific substrate.
• What is the process of enzyme action?

  Enzymes work through substrate binding, catalysis, product formation, product release, and enzyme regeneration.
• How do enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction?

  Enzymes lower the activation energy by forming an enzyme-substrate complex at their active site.
• What happens to the enzyme after the product is released?

  The enzyme is regenerated and ready for another reaction.
• What factors can affect enzyme activity?

  Factors include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, inhibitors, and cofactors/coenzymes.
• How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

  Each enzyme has an optimal temperature range, and too high temperatures can denature enzymes.
• How does substrate concentration influence enzyme activity?

  Higher substrate concentration increases reaction rate up to a certain point.
• What is the effect of extreme pH on enzymes?

  Extreme pH can alter the enzyme's shape and function.
• What is the relationship between enzyme concentration and reaction rate?

  More enzyme typically means faster reactions.
• What are inhibitors in the context of enzymes?

  Inhibitors are substances that can reduce or block enzyme activity.
• What role do cofactors and coenzymes play in enzyme function?

  Cofactors and coenzymes are required by some enzymes to function properly.
• What is an example of an enzyme involved in digestion?

  Amylase in saliva breaks down starches.
• What enzyme is found in the stomach and what does it do?

  Pepsin in the stomach breaks down proteins.
• How is rennet used in the food industry?

  Rennet is used in cheese-making.
• What is the role of proteases in cleaning products?

  Proteases in laundry detergents break down protein stains.
• What is the function of thrombin in the body?

  Thrombin is involved in blood clotting.
• What is lactase used for in medicine?

  Lactase supplements are used for lactose intolerance.
• What are restriction enzymes used for in biotechnology?

  Restriction enzymes are used in genetic engineering.
• What are the key factors affecting enzyme activity?

  • Temperature: Optimal range; too high can denature enzymes.
  • pH: Optimal range; extreme pH can alter shape and function.
  • Substrate concentration: Higher concentration increases reaction rate up to a point.
  • Enzyme concentration: More enzyme typically means faster reactions.
  • Inhibitors: Substances that reduce or block activity.
  • Cofactors and coenzymes: Required for some enzymes to function properly.
• What are some everyday examples of enzymes and their functions?

  • Digestion: Amylase breaks down starches; Pepsin breaks down proteins.
  • Food industry: Rennet in cheese-making; Pectinase in fruit juice production.
  • Cleaning products: Proteases break down protein stains; Lipases break down fat stains.
  • Medical uses: Thrombin in blood clotting; Lactase for lactose intolerance.
  • Biotechnology: Restriction enzymes in genetic engineering.