enzymes

• What are enzymes in biology?

  Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed.
• How do enzymes function as catalysts?

  They speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
• What does it mean for enzymes to be substrate specific?

  Each enzyme works on specific molecules called substrates.
• Why are enzymes essential for life?

  Nearly all metabolic processes in cells require enzymes.
• Why are enzymes considered reusable?

  They are not used up in reactions and can be used repeatedly.
• What is an example of an enzyme and its function?

  Amylase in saliva breaks down starch into simpler sugars.
• What does the lock-and-key model describe?

  The specificity of enzyme-substrate interactions.
• In the lock-and-key model, what does the "lock" represent?

  The enzyme.
• What is the role of the active site in an enzyme?

  It is the part of the enzyme where the substrate binds.
• How does the shape of the substrate relate to enzyme function?

  The substrate fits precisely into the enzyme's active site due to complementary shapes.
• What happens when the substrate binds to the enzyme?

  The enzyme facilitates the chemical reaction.
• What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

  They can denature, losing their shape and function.
• How does pH affect enzyme activity?

  Changes in pH can alter enzyme shape and effectiveness.
• What is the effect of increasing substrate concentration on enzyme activity?

  More substrate generally means faster reactions, up to a point where enzymes become saturated.
• What factors can affect enzyme activity?

  Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.
• What is the role of inhibitors and activators in enzyme activity?

  Inhibitors block enzyme activity, while activators enhance it.
• What is an example of a digestive enzyme?

  Amylase, pepsin, or lipase.
• Why is enzyme specificity important in living organisms?

  It ensures that only specific reactions occur in the right place and time.
• What does the induced fit model suggest about enzymes?

  Enzymes slightly change shape to fit their substrates better.
• What is substrate specificity?

  Enzymes typically act on only one or a few closely related substrates.
• How does the shape of an enzyme's active site relate to its function?

  The shape and chemical properties of the enzyme's active site determine its specificity.