Enzymes Worksheet Flashcards

Enzymes Overview

• Enzymes are proteins that serve as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions.
• Catalysts increase the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
• Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

• Enzymes provide a specific site where reactants (substrates) can be brought together to facilitate reactions.

Environmental Impact on Enzymes

• Enzyme activity is affected by various factors including ionic conditions, pH values, substrate concentration, and temperature.
• Optimal pH for most enzymes is around 7.5, while specific enzymes have different optimal pH levels:
  • Intestinal Protease: pH 9
  • Gastric Protease: pH 3
• Optimal temperature for many enzymes, including those in human body, is 37 degrees Celsius.
• Extreme pH or temperature can lead to enzyme denaturation, altering their function.

Protein Basics

• Proteins are made of amino acids, which are their monomers.
• Key elements found in proteins include nitrogen, calcium, iron, and zinc.
• Common dietary sources of proteins include eggs, beans, milk, and cheese.

Functions of Proteins

• Proteins are essential for the function and support of body tissues and organs.
• Different types of proteins serve specific roles:
  • Regulatory: Control reaction rates in the body.
  • Transport: Distribute nutrients throughout the body.
  • Structural: Form various parts of the body.
  • Protective: Create structures that protect the body.

Nucleic Acids

• Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, consist of elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
• Their primary function is to store and transmit genetic information.

Protein and Enzyme Properties

• Most enzymes' names end with the suffix "ase," indicating their function.
• Denaturing factors for proteins include extreme temperature and pH changes.

Additional Concepts

• Polymers are large molecules formed by joining two or more monomers, while monomers are the smallest units of these large molecules.
• Nucleotides, the building blocks of nucleic acids, are composed of a five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.