Biology Chapter on Metabolism

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Questions and Answers

What happens to an enzyme when it is denatured?

It gains a new function.

It permanently loses its shape and function. (correct)

It increases in catalytic activity.

It becomes more soluble in water.

What is the primary role of washing-up liquid in enzyme experiments?

To inhibit the enzyme activity.

To enhance oxygen bubble formation. (correct)

To stabilize temperature during the reaction.

To increase enzyme concentration.

What is the significance of keeping temperature constant in an enzyme activity experiment?

To ensure solubility of substrates.

To allow for easy measurement of enzyme concentration.

To enhance enzyme denaturation.

To prevent fluctuations in reaction rates. (correct)

Why is it essential to vary pH in enzyme experiments?

To assess the impact of pH on enzyme stability. Signup and view all the answers

What type of biomolecule are enzymes classified as?

Proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is typically measured to evaluate the rate of enzyme activity?

The volume of gas produced. Signup and view all the answers

How is temperature altered during enzyme experiments?

By adjusting the water bath temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the substrate used in the enzyme activity discussed?

Hydrogen peroxide Signup and view all the answers

What are the products formed in the reaction involving catalase?

Water and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What role does stirring play when adding beads to the mixture?

To avoid clumping of the beads. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a catabolic reaction?

Breaking down large molecules into smaller ones. Signup and view all the answers

What defines enzyme specificity?

Each enzyme can only fit a specific substrate due to its active site shape. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a catalyst play in a chemical reaction?

It increases the reaction rate without being consumed. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can adversely affect enzyme activity?

Extreme pH levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a bioreactor?

To perform biological reactions in a controlled environment. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the process of denaturation?

Enzymes lose their active site shape and function. Signup and view all the answers

What are immobilised enzymes?

Enzymes that are attached to themselves or inert materials. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about products in enzyme reactions is correct?

Products are the substances formed after the reaction occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the term 'activation energy'?

The minimum energy needed for a reaction to initiate. Signup and view all the answers

Why are immobilised enzymes advantageous in bioprocessing?

They can be reused and easily recovered post-reaction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Metabolism

Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions occurring within the body.
Types of reactions:
- Anabolic: Smaller molecules combine to form larger ones (e.g., photosynthesis).
- Catabolic: Larger molecules are broken down into smaller ones (e.g., digestion).

Enzymes

Catalysts speed up reactions without being consumed.
Enzymes are specialized proteins that act as biological catalysts.
Enzymes are globular in shape, facilitating their functional roles.
Substrate: The specific substance on which an enzyme acts.
Product: The substance formed as a result of the enzymatic reaction.
Enzymes regulate metabolic processes within cells.

Activation Energy

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to proceed.
Factors influencing enzyme activity include pH levels and temperature.

Bioprocessing and Bioreactors

Bioprocessing utilizes enzyme-controlled reactions to produce various products.
Bioreactor: A container designed for conducting biological reactions.

Immobilized Enzymes

These enzymes are fixed to one another or to an inert substance.
Advantages:
- They can be reused.
- They can be easily recovered after reactions, eliminating the need for purification.

Enzyme Specificity and Denaturation

Enzyme specificity means that most enzymes react with only one unique substrate due to the fit of their active sites.
Denaturation refers to the loss of an enzyme's specific shape, rendering it unable to function with its substrate.

Laboratory Procedures

Hydration of beads: Immersed in calcium chloride for 15 minutes to harden.
Reaction considerations: Mixing prevents clumping of enzyme beads.
Measuring enzyme activity: Conducted by determining the volume of gas produced using a graduated cylinder.
Temperature control: Water baths were used to maintain specific temperatures during experiments.

Enzyme Activity in Experiments

Enzyme involved in activity: Catalase.
Substrate used: Hydrogen peroxide, which yields water and oxygen as products.
Constant factors during experiments: pH levels and the temperature effect on activity were monitored.

Denaturation Effects

Enzymatic activity ceases after exposure to elevated temperatures, notably above 60°C, as the enzyme becomes denatured.
Enzymes are synthesized in ribosomes, indicating their protein nature and cellular origin.

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Description

Test your knowledge on metabolism and chemical reactions in biology. This quiz covers essential concepts such as anabolic and catabolic reactions, along with the role of catalysts. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of these foundational topics.