Enzymes

• Enzymes are globular proteins that catalyze reactions. When this happens inside the cell (intracellular) and when this happens out of the cell (extracellular).
• The mode of action for enzymes states that enzymes have an active site complementary to the substrate's shape. This forms an enzyme-substrate complex.
• Denaturing occurs when the pH or temperature is high, causing the enzyme's active site to change; hence, it is not complementary to the substrate.
• Catabolic Reaction - This is when there is a breakdown of complex molecules into simpler products. One substrate is drawn into the enzyme's active site to produce two products. Ex - Cellular respiration and Hydrolysis.
• Anabolic Reaction - It is the building of a complex molecule from simpler molecules. This occurs by drawing in two or more molecules into an enzyme's active site, forming bonds between them, and releasing a product—ex-protein synthesis and photosynthesis.
• Activation energy is the amount of energy needed by the substrate to become just unstable enough for a reaction to occur and for products to be formed.
• Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy of the reaction and by providing an alternate energy pathway. This occurs because the enzymes influence the stability of the bonds in the reactants. The destabilization of bonds in the substrate makes it more reactive
• Reaction Pathway Diagram - With and without catalyst.

  
• Induced Fit - The active site slightly changes shape as the substrate enters the enzyme. The change in the shape is called conformational change. Doing so creates an ideal binding arrangement between the enzyme and the substrate. This ensures the enzyme catalyzes the reaction.
• Lock & Key Model - A model that describes how enzymes work with their substrates. The enzyme has a specific three-dimensional structure that fits perfectly with its complementary-shaped substrate. When they fit together, the enzyme can catalyze the reaction.
• To investigate the catalase activity of the enzyme, a sample of the enzyme is added to a solution of hydrogen peroxide. The catalase enzyme beaks down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The production of oxygen Is measured in a set time.
• First, the amylase hydrolysis starch into maltose and glucose to investigate the amylase activity. This functions at a Ph of 7 and a temperature of 37. The amylase and the starch are combined and tested for starch at regular times. This is done using the spotting tile. A blue-black colour is formed. This experiment is done many times with different conditions and the results are compared.