Enzymes

• What are enzymes classified as in biological processes?

  Enzymes are catalysts produced by living things.
• Why do living things need enzymes?

  Living things need enzymes to speed up chemical reactions necessary for life.
• How can temperature affect enzyme reactions?

  Increasing temperature usually speeds up reactions but can also denature enzymes if too high.
• What is a catalyst?

  A catalyst is a substance that increases the speed of a reaction without being changed or used up.
• What are enzymes made of?

  Enzymes are large proteins made up of chains of amino acids.
• What is the role of the active site in an enzyme?


  The active site is where the substrate binds to the enzyme to catalyze a reaction.
• Why are enzymes specific in their reactions?

  Enzymes are specific because only substrates that fit their active site can bind and be catalyzed.
• What does the "lock and key" model of enzyme action describe?

  The "lock and key" model describes how a substrate fits perfectly into an enzyme's active site.
• What is the "induced fit" model of enzyme action?

  The "induced fit" model suggests that the active site changes shape to better fit the substrate upon binding.
• How does temperature affect the shape of an enzyme's active site?

  High temperatures can break bonds in the enzyme, changing the shape of the active site and denaturing it.
• What is denaturation in the context of enzymes?

  Denaturation is the process where an enzyme loses its functional shape and cannot catalyze reactions.
• What is the optimum temperature for enzymes?

  The optimum temperature is the temperature at which an enzyme works best.
• How does pH affect enzyme activity?

  pH affects enzyme activity by interfering with the bonds holding the enzyme together, potentially leading to denaturation.
• What is the optimum pH for most enzymes?

  The optimum pH for most enzymes is often neutral pH 7, but can vary.
• What is the optimum pH for pepsin, and why is it suited for its environment?

  The optimum pH for pepsin is pH 2, which is suited for the acidic conditions in the stomach.
• What are the key factors affecting enzyme activity?

  • Temperature: Each enzyme has an optimum temperature.
  • pH: Each enzyme has an optimum pH.
  • Substrate concentration: Affects the rate of reaction.
  • Enzyme concentration: More enzymes can increase reaction rates.
• What are the consequences of enzyme denaturation?

  • Loss of enzyme activity
  • Inability to catalyze reactions
  • Potential impact on metabolic processes
• What special terms should be used when discussing enzymes in an exam?


  • Active site
  • Denatured
  • Catalyst
  • Substrate