Proteins and Enzymes Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How do enzymes affect the reactions in living cells?

By lowering the activation energy of the reaction.

Enzymes work best at a specific pH.

True

Enzymes are not affected by temperature changes.

False

Enzymes are proteins.

True Signup and view all the answers

Enzymes are organic catalysts.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a specific reactant acted upon by an enzyme called?

A substrate. Signup and view all the answers

How does the name of an enzyme typically end?

With 'ase'. Signup and view all the answers

Define Induced Fit.

A proposed mechanism of interaction between an enzyme and a substrate. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to an enzyme that has broken up a protein?

It returns to its original shape and will work on another molecule or substrate. Signup and view all the answers

What is an enzyme inhibitor?

A molecule that binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity. Signup and view all the answers

Why does each enzyme complete only one job?

Because enzymes are highly specific catalysts. Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme would be most active in the stomach?

Pepsin. Signup and view all the answers

Define Denature.

When an enzyme stops functioning due to high heat. Signup and view all the answers

Define Enzyme.

Macromolecular biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Define Catalyst.

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent change. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibitors?

Competitive inhibitors bind at the active site, while non-competitive inhibitors bind not at the active site. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main functions of proteins found in organisms?

As a major source of energy, involved in hormone creation, and transport and storage of molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What elements are found in proteins?

Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and sometimes sulfur. Signup and view all the answers

Which monomer is linked together to form proteins?

Amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

How many different types of amino acids are there?

<ol start="20"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a protein's shape so important?

Because it determines its function. Signup and view all the answers

List and describe the four levels of protein structure.

Primary = The order of amino acids Secondary = The regular pattern of coils or folds of the polypeptide chain Tertiary = The overall three-dimensional shape of polypeptide chain Quaternary = The association of two or more polypeptide subunits Signup and view all the answers

What is a disulfide bridge?

A covalent bond derived from two thiol groups. Signup and view all the answers

Why is primary structure important?

Because the order of amino acids determines the folding of the polypeptide chain. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Enzymes

Enzymes lower activation energy, accelerating biochemical reactions in living cells.
Optimal enzyme activity occurs at a specific pH level, implying pH sensitivity.
Temperature changes can affect enzyme functionality, contrary to some beliefs.
Enzymes are classified as proteins and function as organic catalysts.
Each enzyme interacts with a specific reactant known as a substrate.
Enzyme names typically end with the suffix "ase," indicating their function.
Induced fit mechanism describes the interaction process of enzymes and substrates.
Once an enzyme breaks down a protein, it reverts to its original shape for further reactions.
Enzyme inhibitors bind to enzymes, reducing their catalytic activity.
Enzymes exhibit high specificity, working uniquely with specific substrates due to shape compatibility.
Pepsin is an enzyme particularly active in the acidic environment of the stomach.
Denaturation refers to the loss of enzyme function due to extreme heat.

Proteins

Proteins serve as a primary energy source and are crucial for hormone production, transport, and storage of molecules.
Composed of elements: hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and sometimes sulfur.
Amino acids act as the monomers that combine to form proteins, with 20 distinct types identified.
The unique shape of a protein is critical as it determines the protein's function.
Four levels of protein structure:
- Primary: sequence and order of amino acids.
- Secondary: regular patterns like coils or folds in the polypeptide chain.
- Tertiary: overall three-dimensional conformation of the polypeptide.
- Quaternary: the assembly of multiple polypeptide subunits.
Disulfide bridges, formed by covalent bonds between thiol groups, contribute to protein structure stability.
The primary structure's importance lies in its influence on how a polypeptide chain will fold, affecting the higher levels of protein structure.

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Description

Test your understanding of proteins and enzymes with these flashcards. Explore how enzymes function in living cells and the factors that influence their activity. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce key concepts about these vital biomolecules.