3.1 Proteins, Catalysts and Enzymes Flashcards Preview

GCSE Biology 2.3 Enzymes > 3.1 Proteins, Catalysts and Enzymes > Flashcards

Flashcards in 3.1 Proteins, Catalysts and Enzymes Deck (10)
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1
Q

Different arrangements of amino acids make different proteins. Name 4 things proteins act as

A
  • structural components of tissues
  • hormones (such as insulin)
  • antibodies that destroy pathogens
  • catalysts in the form of enzymes
2
Q

What is a catalyst?

A

A chemical used to speed up the rate of a reaction without having an effect on the reactants and can be used over and over again

3
Q

What is an enzyme?

A

A biological enzyme that speeds up reactions in an organism

4
Q

What is the active site?

A

The part of an enzyme where other molecules fit in

5
Q

Why is the shape of the active site important?

A

Each enzyme has an active site specifically for one type of molecule. Of the enzyme gets denatured then the shape of the active site changes and it no longer works to catalyse reactions with those certain molecules

6
Q

What are protein molecules?

A

Small units of amino acids strung into long chains

7
Q

What are the molecules called that use enzymes to catalyse them?

A

Substrates

8
Q

What do enzymes do to substrates?

A

Either break them down or connect them together

9
Q

Name 3 things that enzymes can do.

A
  • build large molecules from many smaller ones (eg build starch from glucose)
  • change one molecule into another one (eg convert one type of sugar into another one)
  • break down large molecules into smaller ones (eg all the digestive enzymes do this)
10
Q

Explain how enzymes work.

A
  1. The substrate(s) enters the active site of the enzyme
  2. They bind together
  3. The reaction takes place rapidly
  4. The products are released from the active site
  5. The enzyme is ready to be used again