Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are powerful and highly specific biological catalysts, mostly protein in nature, that are not consumed within the reaction.
What is optical specificity in enzymes?
Optical specificity (stereospecificity) refers to enzymes acting on only one of 2 isomers, for example, maltase acts on α-glycosides but not β-glycosides.
What is group specificity in enzymes?
Group specificity refers to enzymes acting on a specific group or linkage, for example, pepsin acts on peptide bonds.
What is absolute specificity of an enzyme?
Signup and view all the answers
Where are intracellular enzymes formed?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the difference between inducible enzymes and constitutional enzymes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the composition of conjugated enzymes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of NAD+ as a coenzyme?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Mg+2 act as a cofactor for DNA polymerase?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of reactions do oxidoreductases catalyze?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Enzymes Overview
- Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms, facilitating processes crucial for metabolism and other cellular functions.
Optical Specificity
- Optical specificity refers to an enzyme's ability to distinguish between different optical isomers (enantiomers) of a chiral substrate, allowing it to interact with only one specific form.
Group Specificity
- Group specificity describes an enzyme's capacity to act on substrates that share a common functional group, rather than a specific molecule, enhancing versatility.
Absolute Specificity
- Absolute specificity indicates that an enzyme only catalyzes a single specific substrate, ensuring precise biochemical reactions without ambiguity.
Intracellular Enzyme Formation
- Intracellular enzymes are synthesized within the cells they operate in, typically within the endoplasmic reticulum or other organelles depending on the enzyme type.
Inducible vs. Constitutional Enzymes
- Inducible enzymes are produced in response to specific stimuli or environmental conditions, while constitutional enzymes are continuously expressed regardless of external factors.
Composition of Conjugated Enzymes
- Conjugated enzymes consist of a protein portion (apoenzyme) and a non-protein component (cofactor), which can be a metal ion or an organic molecule necessary for enzyme activity.
Role of NAD+ as a Coenzyme
- NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) functions as a coenzyme in redox reactions, facilitating the transfer of electrons and hydrogen ions, and is essential in metabolic processes like cellular respiration.
Magnesium Ion as Cofactor for DNA Polymerase
- Mg²⁺ serves as a crucial cofactor for DNA polymerase, stabilizing the negative charges on the DNA backbone and activating nucleotides for DNA synthesis.
Reactions Catalyzed by Oxidoreductases
- Oxidoreductases catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions, involving the transfer of electrons between molecules, critical for energy production and metabolic pathways.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of enzymes, biochemical reactions, and the general properties of enzymes with this quiz. Explore the role of enzymes as powerful and highly specific biological catalysts that are not consumed within the reaction.
