Enzymes
Enzymes
Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts to increase the rate of a
chemical reaction, by lowering the activation energy (reduce the amount of
energy required).
Enzymes are not consumed in a reaction, they are recycled.
Living organisms require enzymes to ensure reactions occur at a faster rate
and they can also control biochemical pathways. Such as individual reactions
are catalysed by a specific enzyme.
Intracellular enzymes speed up and control metabolic reactions within the
cell. While extracellular enzymes are secreted by the cell and catalysed
reactions outside of the cell.
Lock & Key Model
o The active site is highly specific for a particular substrate.
o The active site on the enzyme has the right shape for the specific
substrate, in which they bind forming an enzyme-substrate complex.
This causes the substrate to form new products.
2. Coenzymes
- A small molecule (non-protein, organic) that carrying groups of atoms
to or from the reactions that are catalysed by enzymes.
- They can be reversibly loaded or unloaded with the groups of atoms
they carry.
- NAD and NADPH are examples found in photosynthesis and cellular
respiration (can accept electrons and protons during biochemical
reactions and transfer them to another reaction of the process).
Inhibiting Enzymes
o Non-competitive Inhibitor
The product of the reaction inhibits enzyme activity, as if a large
amount of product is present, it will act as an inhibitor by binding
to a site on the enzyme (other than the active site) – slowing the
rate of reaction.
When the inhibitor binds to the enzyme, the active site of the
enzyme changes shape – no affinity for its substrate.
If the product is removed, inhibition is reduced as the substrate
can enter the active site, and the product will again be formed –
maintains concentration levels of the products in the cells
referred to as reversible inhibition
o Competitive Inhibitor
The inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site of
the enzyme.
Some inhibitors bind irreversibly, as the enzyme can no longer
perform its function.
Questions
1. Recap 3.3 (pg 72)
2. Recap 3.4 (pg 74)
3. Recap 3.5 (pg 75)
4. Enzyme exam questions worksheet