Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Enzymes

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Enzymes

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2:17 minutes

Problem 24

Textbook Question

Explain how enzymes function in chemical reactions.

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Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to be converted into products.

Enzymes bind to specific molecules called substrates at their active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This binding is highly specific due to the shape and chemical properties of the active site, which matches the substrate like a 'lock and key.'

Once the substrate is bound, the enzyme stabilizes the transition state of the reaction, reducing the energy needed to break bonds in the reactants and form new bonds in the products. This allows the reaction to proceed more efficiently.

After the reaction occurs, the enzyme releases the product(s) and remains unchanged, ready to catalyze another reaction. This makes enzymes reusable and highly efficient in facilitating multiple reactions.

Enzymes are sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and substrate concentration. These factors can affect the enzyme's structure and function, potentially increasing or decreasing its activity.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Enzyme Structure

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are typically proteins composed of long chains of amino acids, which fold into specific three-dimensional shapes. This unique structure allows enzymes to bind to substrates at their active sites, facilitating the conversion of substrates into products.

Activation Energy

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enzymes lower the activation energy barrier, making it easier for reactions to proceed. By stabilizing the transition state and providing an alternative reaction pathway, enzymes increase the rate of reactions without being consumed in the process.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

The enzyme-substrate complex is formed when an enzyme binds to its specific substrate. This interaction is often described by the 'lock and key' or 'induced fit' models, which illustrate how the enzyme's active site complements the substrate's shape. The formation of this complex is crucial for catalyzing the reaction, leading to the production of the final products.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Some antibiotics act by binding to certain essential enzymes in the target bacteria.

How might these antibiotics influence the chemical reactions controlled by the enzymes?

What is the anticipated effect on the bacteria? On the person taking the antibiotic prescription?

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Textbook Question

Define enzyme, and describe enzyme action.

Textbook Question

Several antibiotics act by binding to certain essential enzymes in the target bacteria. How might these antibiotics influence the chemical reaction controlled by the enzyme?

What might be the effect on the bacteria? On the person taking the antibiotic prescription?

Textbook Question

Special catalytic molecules called___speed up chemical reactions in the human body.

(a) enzymes

(b) cytozymes

(d) activators

(e) cytochromes

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Textbook Question

A certain reaction pathway consists of four steps. How would decreasing the amount of enzyme that catalyzes the second step affect the amount of product produced at the end of the pathway?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following are examples of the functions of enzymes?

Which characteristics are likely associated with an enzyme isolated from a human stomach where conditions are strongly acidic.