Organisation ( Paper 1 )

• Enzymes: Lock and key

  Enzymes are proteins and biological catalysts

  Lock and Key:

  1. The enzymes active site is a specific shape to its substrate
  2. The enzyme (lock) will only catalyse (break down) a reaction if the substrate (key) is specific to the enzymes active site
  3. At the active site, can break molecules down or bind molecules together

  • Enzyme = protein which speeds up chemical reactions
  • Active site = where the substrate binds to
  • Substrate = The molecule enzymes bind to
  • Lock and key = Only one type of substrate will fit into one type of enzyme
• Denaturing: Enzymes active site loses its specific shape

  When enzymes are exposed to -

  • High temperatures
  • pH outside their range
• Digestive enzymes:

  Amylase: Starch -> Glucose

  • Salivary glands
  • Pancreas
  • Small intestine

  Protease: Protein -> Amino Acids

  • Stomach
  • Pancreas
  • Small intestine

  Lipase: Lipids -> Fatty acids and glycerol

  • Pancreas
  • Small intestine