Biological Catalysts: Enzymes and Their Functions

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Questions and Answers

What defines the term 'optimum temperature' for an enzyme?

The temperature range in which enzyme activity decreases

The temperature at which the enzyme begins to denature

The temperature at which the enzyme operates most effectively (correct)

The temperature at which enzymes become inactive

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

It only increases at low temperatures

It decreases continuously with increasing temperature

It increases until a certain point, then decreases sharply (correct)

It remains constant regardless of temperature changes

Which factor can cause enzymes to denature?

Presence of increasing enzyme concentrations

Changes in pH beyond optimum levels (correct)

Increase in substrate concentration

Constant temperature within the optimum range

What role do enzymes play in the germination of seeds?

They break down stored food for the developing plant Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the active site on an enzyme?

It binds with the specific substrate for the reaction Signup and view all the answers

How does pH influence enzyme activity?

Every enzyme has an optimal pH at which its activity is maximized Signup and view all the answers

What happens to an enzyme when it is denatured?

It loses its functional shape and cannot catalyze reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following parameters affects enzyme concentration during a reaction?

Concentration of the substrate Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of amylase in biological systems?

To catalyze the breakdown of starch into maltose Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the breakdown of fats in biological washing powder?

Lipase Signup and view all the answers

Why should enzymes not be used on silk, wool, or leather?

They may cause damage due to the presence of proteins Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do enzymes provide in the energy consumption of industrial processes?

They can work at low temperatures, saving energy Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is specifically used to help those with lactose intolerance?

Lactase Signup and view all the answers

What role does pectinase play in juice making?

Helps extract juice by acting on plant cell walls Signup and view all the answers

How does isomerase benefit diabetic patients?

By converting glucose into fructose for sweetness Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using enzymes in food production?

They allow for controlled and specific reactions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Catalysts

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed or changing the product.
Enzymes are proteins involved in all metabolic reactions.
The substance an enzyme acts upon is called a substrate.
Each enzyme has a specific substrate it works on.

Characteristics of Enzymes

Specificity: Each enzyme catalyzes a specific reaction.
Temperature Sensitivity: Enzyme activity increases with temperature until an optimal point (around 35°C–40°C).
pH Sensitivity: Enzyme activity is optimal at a specific pH, with deviations reducing activity.
Denaturation: Extreme temperatures or pH values can denature enzymes, rendering them inactive.

Enzyme Function

Active Site: Enzymes have a specific region called the active site where the substrate binds.

Role of Enzymes in Germination

Seeds contain stored insoluble food with inactive enzymes.
When water enters a seed in favorable conditions, enzymes become active and break down stored insoluble food into soluble forms.
The soluble food nourishes the embryo until it develops green leaves for photosynthesis.
Key enzymes in germination:
- Amylase: Breaks down starch into maltose.
- Proteases: Break down proteins into amino acids.

Role of Enzymes in Biological Washing Powder

Biological washing powders contain enzymes that break down stain molecules into soluble forms, allowing them to be washed away.
Key enzymes in washing powders:
- Lipases: Break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, removing greasy stains.
- Proteases: Break down proteins into amino acids, removing protein stains like blood.

Advantages of Biological Washing Powder

Economical: No need for boiling, saving energy.
Gentle on Clothes: Avoids damage caused by boiling and rubbing.

Precautions for Biological Washing Powder

Not suitable for silk, wool, or leather since they are protein-based and can be damaged by proteases.
Wash hands after using biological washing powders to avoid enzyme exposure.

Role of Enzymes in the Food Industry

Pectinase is used in juice making:
- Pectinase acts on pectin, a substance found in plant cell walls.
- Benefits of pectinase in juice production:
  - Easier to squeeze juice from fruit.
  - Increases juice volume.
  - Makes juice clearer.

Role of Enzymes in Making Baby Food

Proteases are used in making baby foods:
- Break down proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids, facilitating digestion.
Amylase is used to obtain sugar from starch:
- Produces maltose for sweetening purposes.
Isomerase converts glucose into fructose:
- Fructose is sweeter than glucose, allowing for reduced sugar content in products for diabetics.
Lactase breaks down lactose in milk:
- Helps individuals with lactose intolerance digest milk.
Rennin clots milk in the initial stage of cheese making.

Advantages of using Enzymes in Industry

Energy Efficiency: Enzymes work at low temperatures, saving energy.
Corrosion Resistance: Enzymes are not corrosive.
Specificity: Enzymes work on specific substrates, allowing for controlled processes.

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Description

Explore the role of enzymes as biological catalysts in various chemical reactions. This quiz covers enzyme specificity, temperature and pH sensitivity, and the impact of denaturation. Understand how enzymes facilitate metabolic processes and their crucial role in germination.