📚 Topic Summary
Enzyme activity refers to the rate at which an enzyme catalyzes a specific reaction. Enzymes are biological catalysts, meaning they speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. Several factors influence enzyme activity, including temperature, pH, enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators. Understanding enzyme activity is crucial for comprehending various biological processes, from digestion to cellular respiration.
🧪 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
- Enzyme
- Substrate
- Active Site
- Catalyst
- Inhibitor
- A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed.
- The specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds and catalysis occurs.
- A molecule that binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity.
- A biological molecule (usually a protein) that catalyzes specific biochemical reactions.
- The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon.
| Term |
Definition |
| Enzyme |
|
| Substrate |
|
| Active Site |
|
| Catalyst |
|
| Inhibitor |
|
🧬 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Enzyme activity is greatly affected by temperature and pH. Enzymes work best within a specific range of these conditions. Extremely high temperatures can cause the enzyme to __________, losing its shape and function. Similarly, extreme pH levels can also disrupt the enzyme's __________ bonds, leading to reduced or no activity. The concentration of __________ also impacts enzyme activity; a higher concentration generally leads to a faster reaction rate, up to a certain point. Substances that slow down reaction rates are called __________. These can bind to the enzyme, changing the active site shape, or block the substrate from entering the __________.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how understanding enzyme activity is important in the development of new medicines. Provide specific examples.