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Questions and Answers
What was the primary mechanism through which the lactase enzyme acquired a new function?
What was the primary mechanism through which the lactase enzyme acquired a new function?
After the seven rounds of directed evolution, what was the outcome for some of the mutated genes?
After the seven rounds of directed evolution, what was the outcome for some of the mutated genes?
How were the mutated genes assessed for new functionalities?
How were the mutated genes assessed for new functionalities?
What role did the orange color play in the depiction of genes in the experiment?
What role did the orange color play in the depiction of genes in the experiment?
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What was the significance of the gene duplication process in the development of the lactase enzyme?
What was the significance of the gene duplication process in the development of the lactase enzyme?
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What is the main purpose of sophisticated air flow systems in high-end performance cars?
What is the main purpose of sophisticated air flow systems in high-end performance cars?
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What is the term for the gradual and efficient breakdown of fuel molecules in cells?
What is the term for the gradual and efficient breakdown of fuel molecules in cells?
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How many grams of water can one calorie raise in temperature by 1°C?
How many grams of water can one calorie raise in temperature by 1°C?
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What convention is typically used to express the fuel content of foods?
What convention is typically used to express the fuel content of foods?
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What percentage of food energy is converted to useful work by the human body?
What percentage of food energy is converted to useful work by the human body?
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During cellular respiration, what are the major byproducts produced?
During cellular respiration, what are the major byproducts produced?
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What is the caloric content of one peanut approximately represented as on a food package?
What is the caloric content of one peanut approximately represented as on a food package?
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What role does the energy released from fuel molecules in cellular respiration primarily serve?
What role does the energy released from fuel molecules in cellular respiration primarily serve?
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What is the primary function of the active site in an enzyme?
What is the primary function of the active site in an enzyme?
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What occurs to the active site when the substrate binds to it?
What occurs to the active site when the substrate binds to it?
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What term describes the interaction where the enzyme changes shape to fit the substrate?
What term describes the interaction where the enzyme changes shape to fit the substrate?
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What analogy is used to describe the induced fit mechanism?
What analogy is used to describe the induced fit mechanism?
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What happens to an enzyme after it catalyzes a reaction and releases the products?
What happens to an enzyme after it catalyzes a reaction and releases the products?
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What characteristic does the shape of the active site provide?
What characteristic does the shape of the active site provide?
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What is typically found on the surface of an enzyme?
What is typically found on the surface of an enzyme?
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Why is the active site's change in shape important for enzyme function?
Why is the active site's change in shape important for enzyme function?
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What is the role of an enzyme in a chemical reaction?
What is the role of an enzyme in a chemical reaction?
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How does an enzyme assist reactant molecules?
How does an enzyme assist reactant molecules?
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What analogy is used to describe the function of an enzyme?
What analogy is used to describe the function of an enzyme?
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What occurs to the bonds of reactant molecules when an enzyme is involved?
What occurs to the bonds of reactant molecules when an enzyme is involved?
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What is meant by 'activation energy' in a chemical reaction?
What is meant by 'activation energy' in a chemical reaction?
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What is a consequence of a lower activation energy due to enzyme action?
What is a consequence of a lower activation energy due to enzyme action?
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Without an enzyme, what happens to the activation energy barrier?
Without an enzyme, what happens to the activation energy barrier?
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In the analogy provided, what represents the reactant molecules in the cleaning process?
In the analogy provided, what represents the reactant molecules in the cleaning process?
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What is considered the core unifying theme of biology?
What is considered the core unifying theme of biology?
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Which theme emphasizes the relationship between the anatomy of organisms and their capabilities?
Which theme emphasizes the relationship between the anatomy of organisms and their capabilities?
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How does evolution by natural selection manifest in biological systems?
How does evolution by natural selection manifest in biological systems?
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Which of the following themes best explains how energy is captured and utilized by living systems?
Which of the following themes best explains how energy is captured and utilized by living systems?
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Which theme would you associate with the transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next?
Which theme would you associate with the transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next?
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What aspect does the theme of Interconnections primarily address?
What aspect does the theme of Interconnections primarily address?
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In the context of evolution, what does the term 'hierarchy of life' refer to?
In the context of evolution, what does the term 'hierarchy of life' refer to?
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Which of the following best represents the theme of Energy Transformations in biology?
Which of the following best represents the theme of Energy Transformations in biology?
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Study Notes
Enzyme Function and Structure
- Enzymes have an active site that specifically fits the shape and chemistry of the substrate molecule.
- The active site is usually a pocket or groove on the enzyme's surface.
- When a substrate enters the active site, the enzyme slightly changes shape in a process called induced fit, similar to a handshake, improving the bond with the substrate.
- After the reaction, the enzyme is free to accept another substrate, demonstrating its reusable nature.
Cellular Respiration and Energy
- Cellular respiration is the gradual breakdown of fuel molecules to release energy, primarily in the form of carbon dioxide and water.
- A calorie (cal) measures energy, defined as the heat needed to raise 1 gram of water by 1°C.
- Kilocalories (kcal), used on food labels, correspond to 1,000 calories; for example, a peanut contains approximately 5 Calories (or kilocalories).
- Approximately 34% of food energy is converted into useful work, such as muscle movement, with the excess converted into body heat.
Activation Energy
- Enzymes lower the activation energy barrier, making reactions easier by stressing the bonds of reactant molecules.
- This process can be likened to a friend helping clean your room, reducing effort while achieving the same outcome.
Evolution of Enzymes
- The lactase enzyme evolved through random gene duplication and mutation, leading to new functionalities over seven rounds of testing.
- Mutated genes that exhibited new enzymatic activity were separated from those that did not function differently.
Major Themes in Biology
- Evolution through natural selection, structure-function relationships, and energy transformations are fundamental themes that unify biological systems and processes.
- These interconnections underscore how biological systems operate cohesively at multiple levels of life’s hierarchy.
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Description
Test your knowledge about enzymes and their active sites. This quiz covers the structure and function of active sites in enzyme-substrate interactions. Dive deep into the chemistry that makes these biological catalysts work efficiently.
