Unit 3 Bio

Created by

Bek rile

Cards (24)

What are enzymes?
Biological catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions
What is the primary composition of most enzymes?
Most enzymes are proteins
Why is the tertiary shape of an enzyme important?
It must be maintained for functionality
What is the region of an enzyme that interacts with substrates called?
Active site
What is a molecule that can interact with an enzyme called?
Substrate
How does the active site of an enzyme relate to substrates?
It specifically interacts with substrates
What characteristics does the active site of an enzyme have?
It has a unique shape and size
How can the physical and chemical properties of a substrate affect enzyme activity?
They must be compatible with the enzyme
What happens to the enzyme when slight changes occur to align with the substrate?
It adjusts to fit the substrate
What does "reaction specificity" of an enzyme refer to?
Its ability to catalyze only one specific type of chemical reaction
How do enzyme names typically indicate their function?
They often indicate the substrate or chemical reaction involved
What suffix do many enzyme names end with?
ase
What is an example of an enzyme and its function?
Sucrase digests sucrose
What is a key characteristic of enzymes regarding their chemical state after a reaction?
They are reusable and not chemically changed by the reaction
How do cells typically manage enzyme levels?
They maintain a specific enzyme concentration
What types of reactions can enzymes facilitate?
Synthesis or digestion reactions
What is activation energy?
The initial energy needed for a reaction to happen
How do enzymes affect activation energy?
They lower the activation energy requirement
What is the relationship between energy release and activation energy in reactions?
Reactions resulting in net release of energy require less activation energy
What is the key takeaway regarding enzymes and biochemical reactions?
Enzymes facilitate chemical reactions by lowering activation energy requirements
What is the difference between reactions that release energy and those that absorb energy?
Some reactions result in net release of energy while others result in net absorption of energy
How do enzymes impact the rate of biochemical reactions?
They accelerate the rate of reactions
How does the specificity of an enzyme affect its function in biochemical reactions?
It allows the enzyme to catalyze only one specific type of reaction
What is the significance of enzyme structure in relation to its function?
The specific structure allows each enzyme to facilitate one type of reaction