Enzymes

• What is an enzyme?

  An enzyme is something that speeds up chemical reactions.
• How are enzymes classified in relation to catalysts?

  Enzymes are a type of catalyst.
• What are enzymes made up of?

  Enzymes are made up of amino acids.
• How many amino acids can make up one enzyme?

  One enzyme can be made up from 100 - 1000s of amino acids.
• What is the primary function of enzymes?

  They speed up biological reactions and have one set task.
• What is the active site of an enzyme?


  The active site is where a 'substrate' sticks to the body of the enzyme.
• Why is the active site important?


  It is the most important place of the enzyme.
• How is the active site tailored?

  The active site is tailored to only fit one type of specific substrate.
• What characteristic do all enzymes share?


  They all have a specific shape.
• Are enzymes used up in reactions?

  No, enzymes reusable.
• Why does milk go off when left out?


  Enzymes in bacteria break down the protein in milk.
• How does temperature affect the breakdown of milk?


  It takes 2 weeks in the fridge but less than a day in the sun.
• Why does heat speed up the breakdown of milk?


  Heat gives the particles more energy, increasing movement and collision rates.
• What happens to enzymes at high temperatures or high pH?

  They can denature, causing the active site to change shape.
• What is the effect of low temperatures on enzyme activity?

  Low temperatures decrease the number of collisions and slow down the reaction rate.
• What happens to enzyme activity at high temperatures?

  High temperatures increase the number of collisions and the rate of reaction.
• How does kinetic energy relate to enzyme activity at different temperatures?


  High kinetic energy at high temperatures increases successful collision rates.