Enzymes Flashcards

Study Notes

Enzymes Overview

Enzymes are primarily composed of amino acids, forming complex structures essential for biological functions.
They act as catalysts, significantly speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering activation energy.

Functionality of Enzymes

Enzymes facilitate the conversion of substrates into products, increasing the rate of metabolic reactions.
Metabolism encompasses two main processes: anabolism (building up) and catabolism (breaking down).

Types of Metabolic Processes

Anabolic processes involve the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones.
Catabolic processes entail the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller components.

Role of Catalysts

Enzymes function as biological catalysts, essential for reactions such as the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into hydrogen and oxygen.
Without enzymes, necessary life-sustaining reactions would occur at much higher temperatures, which could be harmful.

Enzyme Structure

The active site is the specific region where the enzyme interacts with the substrate, leading to the formation of the product.
Optimum conditions for enzyme activity include ideal temperature, substrate concentration, pH balance, and the presence of inhibitors.

Factors Influencing Reactions

The rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions is affected by temperature, substrate concentration, pH, and the presence of competitive or non-competitive inhibitors.
Cofactors are non-protein substances required for certain enzymes to be active, while coenzymes are organic molecules that serve as cofactors.

Substrate Interaction

The substrate is the substance on which an enzyme acts, binding at the active site to form an enzyme-substrate complex.

Description

Test your knowledge on enzymes with these flashcards. Each card covers key concepts such as the composition of enzymes, their functions in metabolism, and the processes of anabolism and catabolism. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of this essential topic.