Question

introduction to enzymes lab
background information:
enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions. because they are proteins the direc - tions to make them (genes) are found on dna. sometimes enzymes are referred to as protein catalysts because they make chemical reactions occur much more quickly. you can think of the best player on your sports team or the star of the school play as the \catalyst\ of the activity. enzymes can do one of two things...they can break down or synthesize (make) other molecules. enzymes usually end with the letters \ase\. each enzyme has a specific shape that determines the molecule it fits with and works on. for example, lactase is an enzyme made by cells in the walls of your small intestine. lactase breaks down the sugar lactose that is found in milk. people that do not make enough lactase are said to be lactose intolerant and must take a pill that has lactase in it before they eat or drink any dairy products.
all enzymes are recyclable so they can be used over and over again. so this enzyme can go find another lactose molecule to break down. as you can see in the picture above the molecule that the enzyme works on is called the substrate and the part of the enzyme where it binds to the substrate is called the active site.
factors that impact enzyme action

1. temperature: each enzyme has a best or ____________ temperature to do its work. most human enzymes work best at our normal body temperature of __________ °f or __________ °c. when most enzymes get to cold they slow down. when enzymes get too hot the change their shape or ____________ and no longer work.
2. p.h. : each enzyme has an optimal p.h. (acid, base or ____________). most human enzymes work best at a neutral p.h. of __________. an exception would be enzymes that work in your ____________ because it contains acid and is an acidic environment.

Explanation:

1. Temperature: Enzymes have an optimal temperature. Human enzymes work best at normal body - temp of 98.6°F (37°C). Cold slows them, heat can denature (change shape) and inactivate them.
2. pH: Each enzyme has an optimal pH. Most human enzymes work best at neutral pH (7). Stomach enzymes are an exception as the stomach is acidic.

Answer:

1. Optimal; 98.6; 37; denature
2. Neutral; 7; stomach