Enzymes

Cards (18)

  • Active site

    The part of the enzyme where the biochemical reaction takes place
  • Polypeptide chains

    • Form orderly shapes (secondary structure)
    • Held in shape by hydrogen bonds between the -NH of one peptide link and the -C-O of another amino acid
  • Secondary structures

    • α-helix
    • β-pleated sheet
  • Tertiary structure

    The secondary structures fold into three dimensional shapes to make the tertiary structure
  • The tertiary structure gives the enzyme its specific shape
  • Enzyme catalysis
    • The reaction takes place on the active site of the enzyme
    • The active site consists of a small number of amino acids, which form a specific shape because of the secondary and tertiary structure
  • Enzymes work specifically to catalyse one type of biochemical reaction
  • During a biochemical reaction, substrates are converted into products
  • Active site

    The part of the enzyme where the chemical reaction takes place
  • Active site

    • Consists of a small number of amino acids
    • Forms a specific shape
  • Enzyme catalysis

    1. Substrate binds to active site
    2. Reaction takes place on active site
    3. Product is released
    4. Active site available for further reactions
  • Substrate
    The molecule that binds to the active site of the enzyme
  • Substrate
    Has a complementary shape to the active site of the enzyme
  • Enzymes work specifically to catalyse one type of biochemical reaction
  • Biochemical reaction

    Substrates are converted into products
  • The active site is a specific shape that only the substrate will fit
  • If temperature goes too high (above 40°C)

    • Hydrogen bonds break
    • Enzyme changes shape
    • Active site loses its shape
    • Enzyme is denatured and can no longer act as a catalyst
  • In your own words, describe the lock and key mechanism of enzyme action.: 'The active site is a specific shape that only the substrate will fit.'