Enzyme

Definition

An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in cells without being consumed. They are essential for metabolic processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions, making them proceed faster.
2. Each enzyme has an active site specifically shaped to bind to its substrate.
3. Enzyme activity can be affected by environmental factors such as pH and temperature.
4. Inhibitors can decrease enzyme activity by blocking the active site or changing its shape.
5. Coenzymes and cofactors are non-protein molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Review Questions

• How do enzymes lower the activation energy of biochemical reactions?
• What is the role of the active site in enzyme function?
• How can environmental factors like pH and temperature affect enzyme activity?

Related terms

Substrate:

The specific reactant that an enzyme acts on.

Active Site:

The region of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Inhibitor: A molecule that binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity.