Enzyme Function and Factors Quiz

Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. Their function is to lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, thereby increasing the rate of the reaction.

Enzymes work by binding to specific substrates, forming enzyme-substrate complexes. This binding brings the substrates into close proximity and orients them in a way that facilitates the reaction. Additionally, enzymes may also provide certain functional groups to the substrate, further lowering the activation energy.

Enzyme activity can be influenced by various factors including temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators. Changes in these factors can alter the enzyme's structure and, consequently, its ability to catalyze reactions effectively.