Environmental Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of cofactors in enzyme activity?

To increase the substrate's binding affinity

To inhibit enzymatic reactions

To provide additional active sites for substrate binding

To assist enzymes in catalyzing chemical reactions (correct)

What happens to enzymatic reactions when the temperature increases by 108C?

The reaction speed remains the same

The reaction speed approximately doubles (correct)

The reaction slows down

The reaction comes to a complete halt

What is the term for the non-protein components that assist enzymes?

Coenzyme

Cofactor

Trace element

All of the above (correct)

Why do bacteria tend to grow more rapidly at higher temperatures?

Because a 108C rise in temperature approximately doubles the speed of enzymatic reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal condition range for enzyme function?

A narrow range of temperatures, pH, and salt concentration Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of FAD as a coenzyme?

To assist in the transfer of electrons Signup and view all the answers

What type of bonds are involved in the interaction between an enzyme and its substrate?

Hydrogen and ionic bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a cofactor in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction?

To act as a carrier of molecules or electrons Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction that joins two substrates to create one product?

A reversible reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is a common function of coenzymes?

To transfer substances from one compound to another Signup and view all the answers

What is the orientation of the substrate in the active site of an enzyme?

Specific and fixed Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of an enzyme on the activation energy of a reaction?

It lowers the activation energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the enzyme after an enzyme-catalyzed reaction?

It remains unchanged and free to combine with new substrate molecules Signup and view all the answers

What type of elements often function as cofactors?

Trace elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why different enzymes require only a small number of coenzymes?

The same coenzyme can assist different enzymes Signup and view all the answers

Which group of vitamins is particularly important for the synthesis of coenzymes?

Vitamin B complex Signup and view all the answers

What happens to an animal's enzymes if it lacks a particular vitamin?

Only the affected enzyme is impaired Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between prokaryotes and humans in terms of vitamin synthesis?

Prokaryotes can synthesize vitamins, while humans cannot Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to vitamins synthesized by bacteria in the intestine?

They are absorbed by the host Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between enzymes and coenzymes?

Coenzymes assist enzymes in their activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a single vitamin deficiency?

Multiple enzymes are impaired Signup and view all the answers

Why are coenzymes necessary for enzyme activity?

They facilitate the binding of substrates to the enzyme Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Enzyme Activity

Environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and salt concentration influence enzyme activity, and each enzyme has a narrow range of optimal conditions.
A 10°C rise in temperature approximately doubles the speed of enzymatic reactions.

Cofactors

Cofactors are non-protein components, including coenzymes and trace elements, that assist enzymes in their function.
Coenzymes are organic cofactors that function as loosely bound carriers of molecules or electrons in enzyme-catalyzed oxidation-reduction reactions.
Examples of coenzymes include FAD, NAD+, and NADP+, which carry electrons in enzyme-catalyzed oxidation-reduction reactions.

Enzyme-Substrate Interaction

The interaction of an enzyme with its substrate is highly specific, requiring a spatial fit and appropriate chemical interactions such as hydrogen and ionic bonding.
The substrate fits into the active site of the enzyme like a hand into a glove.

Coenzyme Function

Coenzymes can be used repeatedly and transfer substances from one compound to another.
Different coenzymes function in different ways, but all transfer substances or electrons in enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
Coenzymes are often derived from vitamins, particularly B vitamins.

Vitamin Importance

Humans and other animals cannot synthesize most vitamins, so they must be ingested as part of the diet.
A vitamin deficiency can impair the function of multiple enzymes that require the corresponding coenzyme, leading to serious consequences.