Enzyme Review Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Enzymes are biological __________ that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

catalysts

Enzymes are protein molecules, which are made up of long chains of __________.

amino acids

The sequence and type of amino acids are __________ in each protein.

different

The shape of an enzyme is very important to its __________.

function Signup and view all the answers

Name one of the important chemical reactions that enzymes catalyze in the human body.

breaking down complex starch molecules Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if a substrate molecule with a different shape to the enzyme came into contact with the enzyme's active site?

the substrate would not bind to the active site and no reaction would occur Signup and view all the answers

What factors affect the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions?

Temperature, pH, inhibitors, activators, concentration of enzyme, concentration of substrate Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to an enzyme if the temperature and pH changed significantly beyond the enzyme's level?

the enzyme would denature and become non-functional Signup and view all the answers

What is an inhibitor and what does it do?

Inhibitors slow down or stop enzyme activity; they bond and change the shape of the enzyme so it will not work the same way. Signup and view all the answers

__________ enzymes are produced by specialized cells in the pancreas and digestive tract.

Digestive Signup and view all the answers

The enzymes pass out of cells, into the _______ and small intestine where they come into contact with food molecules.

large intestine Signup and view all the answers

Here, they catalyze the __________ of large molecules, which are then more easily absorbed by the body.

breakdown Signup and view all the answers

Sucrase is an enzyme that breaks down __________.

sucrose Signup and view all the answers

Protease is an enzyme that breaks down __________.

proteins Signup and view all the answers

Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down __________.

fats Signup and view all the answers

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down __________.

starch Signup and view all the answers

Name one other use for enzymes in the home or industry.

dairy production Signup and view all the answers

Give one advantage of using enzymes in industrial manufacturing processes.

Speeds up the process; the enzyme can be reused over and over Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Enzyme Basics

Enzymes act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions in living organisms.
These proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids.

Structure and Function

The specific sequence and type of amino acids in a protein lead to diverse enzyme shapes and functions.
An enzyme's shape is crucial for its function and effectiveness in catalyzing reactions.

Chemical Reactions

Enzymes facilitate various essential reactions, such as breaking down complex starch molecules.
Substrate molecules must fit the enzyme's active site; if they do not match, no reaction occurs.

Factors Influencing Enzyme Activity

Key factors affecting enzyme-catalyzed reaction rates include:
- Temperature
- pH level
- Concentration of enzyme and substrate
- Presence of inhibitors and activators

Enzyme Denaturation

Significant changes in temperature or pH levels can lead to enzyme denaturation, rendering them non-functional.

Inhibitors

Inhibitors are substances that decrease or halt enzyme activity by altering the enzyme's shape.
They bind to enzymes, preventing the substrate from fitting into the active site.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes originate from specialized cells in the pancreas and digestive tract, functioning outside cells.
They pass into the digestive system to aid in breaking down large food molecules for absorption.

Specific Enzymes

Sucrase: Breaks down sucrose.
Protease: Breaks down proteins.
Lipase: Breaks down fats.
Amylase: Breaks down starch.

Industrial and Household Applications

Biological washing powders utilize enzymes to digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for effective stain removal.
Enzymes are also critical in dairy production and various industrial processes.

Advantages of Enzyme Use

Enzymes enhance industrial manufacturing by speeding up processes.
They are reusable, making them cost-effective and efficient for various applications.

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Description

Test your knowledge on enzymes with these flashcards. Each card covers key concepts such as the definition of enzymes, their structure, and functionality. Perfect for biology students preparing for exams.