Questions and Answers
Match the following enzymes to their optimal pH:
Amylase = pH 7 Pepsin = pH 2 Lipase = pH 10 Trypsin = pH 8
Match the following terms to their definitions:
Denatured = Loss of enzyme shape and activity Co-enzymes = Helper substances for enzyme function Substrate = The substance on which an enzyme acts Inhibitors = Substances that decrease enzyme activity
Match the following environmental factors to their effects on enzymes:
Temperature above 40°C = Enzyme denaturation Optimal temperature around 37°C = Maximized enzyme activity Low pH = Inhibition of certain enzymes High substrate concentration = Possible saturation of enzyme activity
Match the following enzymes to their primary functions:
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Match the following enzymes with their source:
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Match the following vitamins to their role as co-enzymes:
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Match the following factors affecting enzyme activity with their specific effects:
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Match the following enzymes to their respective digestive systems:
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Match the enzyme activity factor with its effect:
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Match the process with the example:
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Match the type of reaction with its description:
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Match the term with its definition:
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Match the substance with its function:
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Match the biological change with the condition:
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Match the type of reaction with its example:
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Study Notes
Enzymes Overview
- Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions without being consumed.
- Each enzyme is specific to one substrate and produces only a specific set of products.
- Made from long chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; their structure is folded into a unique 3D shape.
Co-enzymes
- Some enzymes require additional molecules, known as co-enzymes, for optimal function.
- Co-enzymes are organic, non-protein substances; vitamins B1 and B6 function in this role.
- Enzyme names typically end with the suffix ‘-ase’.
Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
- Enzyme function is influenced by environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, concentration of enzymes, and substrates, as well as the presence of inhibitors.
pH Impact
- Each enzyme has a specific pH range for optimal activity:
- Amylase: best at pH 7 (neutral).
- Pepsin: functions optimally around pH 2 (acidic), suited for the stomach.
- Lipase: works best at pH 10 (alkaline) in the small intestine.
Temperature Impact
- Enzyme activity typically increases with temperature, peaking at around 40°C.
- Above 40°C, enzymes rapidly denature, losing shape and function.
- Human enzymes function optimally around 37°C but can become inactive above this temperature, particularly in the brain, risking seizures.
- Plant enzymes thrive at an approximate optimum temperature of 25°C.
Denatured Enzymes
- Denaturation refers to the loss of an enzyme's shape and activity, caused by several factors:
- High Temperature: Enzymes lose shape above 40°C; irreversible changes occur at temperatures exceeding 50°C. For example, egg whites transition from clear to stiff upon heating.
- pH Change: For instance, salivary amylase, which breaks down starch at pH 7-8 in the mouth, becomes inactive when exposed to the acidic environment (pH 1) in the stomach.
- Agitation: Physical mixing or beating can alter enzyme shape and activity, such as when egg whites are beaten, forming a thick mixture that traps sugar.
Active Site Theory
- The active site is the specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds and reactions occur.
- The binding causes slight shape changes in both substrate and enzyme, forming an enzyme-substrate complex.
- These transformations facilitate product formation and lower activation energy needed for the reaction.
- Resulting products may form a substrate-product complex, allow the enzyme to revert to its original shape, ready to catalyze another reaction.
Types of Reactions
- Anabolic Reactions: Create more complex products from simpler reactants; e.g., muscle formation.
- Catabolic Reactions: Break down complex reactants into simpler products; oppositely, they release energy.
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Description
This quiz covers essential information about enzymes, their structure, and functioning as biological catalysts. Explore how enzymes speed up chemical reactions and the importance of their specific substrate interactions. Perfect for learners seeking to understand the fundamentals of enzymatic activity.