Biology: Enzymes and Their Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of enzymes in biological reactions?

To be altered by the reaction they catalyze

To act as substrates for other enzymes

To change the products of the reaction

To increase the rate of chemical reactions (correct)

Which best defines the term 'substrate' in enzymatic activity?

The enzyme that catalyzes a reaction

The product formed after the reaction

The temperature at which an enzyme operates best

The substance on which an enzyme acts (correct)

What effect does a decrease in temperature below the optimum range have on enzyme activity?

Changes the enzyme substrate specificity

Has no effect on enzyme activity

Increases enzyme activity indefinitely

Decreases enzyme activity gradually (correct)

What occurs to enzymes above a temperature of 50°C?

They denature and lose their function Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimum pH for an enzyme?

It is the pH at which an enzyme works best Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the breakdown of stored starch during seed germination?

Amylase Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT a characteristic that affects enzyme activity?

Pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between kinetic energy and enzyme activity at increased temperatures?

Increased kinetic energy enhances collision rates between enzymes and substrates Signup and view all the answers

How do extreme changes in pH affect some enzymes?

They may denature some enzymes Signup and view all the answers

How do enzymes contribute during seed germination?

By catalyzing the breakdown of insoluble food sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of lipases in biological washing powder?

To catalyze the breakdown of fats. Signup and view all the answers

How do proteases assist in cleaning with biological washing powders?

By converting insoluble proteins into soluble amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of using biological washing powder?

Saves the expense of boiling clothes. Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is crucial in the preparation of baby food?

Protease. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of pectin in juice production?

It helps in making juice clear rather than cloudy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about biological washing powders is true?

Enzymes in them help remove specific types of stains. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ability to break down fats important in laundry?

Fats can create stubborn stains on clothing. Signup and view all the answers

What property makes biological washing powders advantageous for delicate fabrics?

They prevent the need for boiling and rubbing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of protease enzymes in baby food manufacturing?

To convert proteins into small polypeptides or amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a role of pectin in juice production?

Enhances the opacity of the juice. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Catalysts

Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being changed themselves.
Enzymes are specific, meaning each enzyme works on a particular substrate.
For example, pepsin, secreted by the stomach, breaks down proteins.

Enzyme Activity & Factors

Enzymes are affected by temperature and pH.
Optimum temperature is the temperature at which an enzyme works best.
Enzyme activity increases with temperature until the optimum temperature is reached.
Above 50°C, enzymes denature and lose their activity.
Optimum pH is the pH at which an enzyme works best.
- Changes in pH can decrease enzyme activity.
- Extreme pH changes can denature enzymes.

Enzyme Roles

Seed Germination:
- Seeds contain inactive enzymes and stored insoluble food.
- When water enters the seed, enzymes become active.
- Enzymes catalyze the breakdown of insoluble food into soluble forms for the embryo.
- Examples of important enzymes:
  - Amylase: breaks down starch into maltose.
  - Proteases: break down proteins into amino acids.
Biological Washing Powder:
- Enzymes break down insoluble stains into soluble molecules, making them easier to wash away.
- Examples of important enzymes:
  - Lipases: break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, removing greasy stains.
  - Proteases: break down proteins into amino acids, removing protein stains.
Advantages of Biological Washing Powder:
- Less need for boiling, saving energy and expense.
- Reduces damage to clothes from boiling and rubbing.

Pectin

Pectin is a substance found in fruits that aids juice extraction.
It helps increase juice volume and makes the juice clearer.

Baby Food

Proteases are used in making baby food.
They break down proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids, making them easier for babies to digest.

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Description

This quiz covers the role of enzymes as biological catalysts, focusing on their specificity, activity factors like temperature and pH, and their importance in processes such as seed germination. Test your knowledge on how enzymes function in living organisms and the conditions that affect their activity.