Enzymes Flashcards
What are enzymes made from
Protein
A long chain of amino acids folded to form a specific shape
What is a biological catalyst
They seed up the reaction without being used themselves
What happens when an enzyme finishes catalysing a reaction
It is ready to catalyse the same type of reaction again
What are the main reactions enzymes are involved in
1 to build larger molecules from small molecules (protein synthesis
2 freak down large molecules into small molecules (digestion)
What is the active site
Where other molecules bind to the enzyme
What is a substrate
A molecule which binds to an enzyme
How are enzymes highly specific
They only bind to one type of substrate as the substrate molecule must fit exactly into the active site otherwise no bonds can form
LOCK AND KEY
What happens when the enzyme and substrate bind
The enzyme- substrate complex is formed. This reaction happens quickly and products are released from the enzyme
