Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

19. Enzymes

Enzyme Classification

GOB Chemistry

19. Enzymes

Enzyme Classification

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1:50 minutes

Problem 36c

Textbook Question

What general kinds of reactions do the following types of enzymes catalyze?
c. Lipases

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up specific chemical reactions. Each type of enzyme is specialized to catalyze a particular kind of reaction.

Recognize that lipases are a type of enzyme that specifically catalyze the breakdown of lipids (fats and oils). Lipids are large molecules composed of glycerol and fatty acids.

Lipases catalyze hydrolysis reactions. In a hydrolysis reaction, water (H₂O) is used to break chemical bonds. For lipases, this means breaking the ester bonds in triglycerides (a type of lipid).

The general reaction catalyzed by lipases can be represented as:

{Triglyceride}_{(lipid)} + H 2_{O} \to Glycerol + Fatty Acids

. This reaction breaks the lipid into its components: glycerol and free fatty acids.

Lipases are essential in biological processes such as digestion, where they help break down dietary fats into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.

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Key Concepts

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

Enzyme Function

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They lower the activation energy required for reactions, allowing processes to occur more efficiently. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate, meaning it catalyzes a specific type of reaction, which is crucial for metabolic pathways.

Lipases

Lipases are a specific class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of lipids, breaking them down into fatty acids and glycerol. They play a vital role in digestion and metabolism of fats, facilitating the absorption of dietary lipids in the intestines. Lipases are produced in various organs, including the pancreas and stomach.

Hydrolysis Reaction

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which water is used to break down a compound. In the context of lipases, hydrolysis involves the addition of water to lipids, resulting in the release of fatty acids and glycerol. This reaction is essential for the digestion of dietary fats and the mobilization of stored fats in the body.

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