Chapter 5: Enzymes and Their Functions

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Questions and Answers

What happens to enzyme activity as temperature increases up to 40°C?

It increases due to higher kinetic energy. (correct)

It remains constant.

It fluctuates without a clear trend.

It decreases due to denaturation.

What is the optimum temperature for enzyme activity?

60°C

35-40°C (correct)

0°C

20°C

What effect does extreme pH have on enzymes?

It may denature some enzymes. (correct)

It has no effect on enzymes.

It increases enzyme activity.

It stabilizes enzyme structure.

Which enzyme catalyzes the breakdown of stored starch during seed germination?

Amylase Signup and view all the answers

How does an enzyme's active site contribute to its function?

It allows substrates to fit and react effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What role do enzymes play in biological washing powders?

They break down insoluble stains into soluble molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to enzymes at temperatures above 50°C?

They lose activity and cannot regain it. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the optimum pH for an enzyme?

The pH at which the enzyme works best. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lipases in biological washing powders?

Catalyze the breakdown of fats to fatty acids and glycerol Signup and view all the answers

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

Enzymes can damage these materials by breaking down proteins Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do enzymes provide in the production of baby food?

They allow proteins to be absorbed more easily by the digestive system Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is primarily used to break down lactose in milk?

Lactase Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advantages of using enzymes in industrial processes?

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

Which enzyme helps in the clarification of juice by acting on plant cell walls?

Pectinase Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of amylase in food processing?

To convert starch into maltose Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the use of enzymes is correct?

Enzymes are very specific, allowing for controlled processes Signup and view all the answers

What is a catalyst?

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being changed. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an enzyme?

A protein that acts as a biological catalyst. Signup and view all the answers

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Temperature affects the kinetic energy and can lead to denaturation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the active site of an enzyme?

The region where substrates bind and reactions occur. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the specificity of an enzyme?

The complementary shape and fit of the active site with the substrate. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT affect enzyme activity?

Presence of other enzymes Signup and view all the answers

How does pH impact enzyme functioning?

It can change the shape and fit of the enzyme, leading to denaturation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the substrate for the enzyme pepsin?

Proteins Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Enzymes

Enzymes are biological catalysts.
Enzymes increase the rate of chemical reactions.
Enzymes are proteins.
Enzymes are not changed by the reaction.
Enzymes are vital for all living organisms.
Enzymes are specific to certain substrates.

Enzyme Action

Enzymes have an active site.
Substrates bind to the active site.
Enzyme-substrate complex is formed.
The substrate is changed into products.
Products are released.

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

Temperature: Enzyme activity increases with temperature up to a certain point (optimal temperature). Beyond this point, activity decreases due to denaturation.
pH: Enzymes have an optimal pH range. Conditions outside this range can denature the enzyme.
Substrate concentration: Increasing substrate concentration increases enzyme activity until all active sites are occupied.
Enzyme concentration: Increasing enzyme concentration increases the reaction rate up to a point.
Inhibitors: Certain substances can inhibit enzyme activity, reducing or stopping the reaction.

Importance of Enzymes

Digestion: Enzymes break down large food molecules into smaller ones for absorption.
Germination: Enzymes break down stored food reserves in seeds to provide energy for growth.
Washing powders: Enzymes break down stains (e.g., proteins, fats).
Food industry: Enzymes are used in cheese making, juice production, and baby food production.

Enzyme Specificity

Enzymes are specific to their substrates.
The shape of the active site matches the shape of the substrate.
This ensures that the enzyme acts on the correct substrate.

Optimum Temperature

Optimum temperature is the temperature at which an enzyme works best.
Beyond optimal temperature enzyme activity decreases due to denaturation.
Enzymes in industry are important as they work well at lower temperatures.

Optimum pH

Optimum pH is the pH at which an enzyme works best.
Enzymes have an optimal pH range.
Deviation from this range can affect the enzyme's activity and lead to denaturation.
Different enzymes have different optimal pH values.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of enzymes, including their role as biological catalysts, the mechanism of enzyme action, and the factors that affect enzyme activity. Test your knowledge and understand how enzymes operate in living organisms and the conditions that influence their efficacy.