Question

what is the property of lipids that makes it a good membrane for cells? what is the purpose of an enzyme in a chemical reaction? what conditions affect an enzymes ability to function at optimal potential? 1- 2- 3- using the picture to the right, explain how an enzyme works.

Explanation:

1. Lipids are amphipathic, having hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails. This allows them to form a bilayer in water - creating a semi - permeable barrier for cells.
2. Enzymes act as biological catalysts in chemical reactions. They lower the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, thus increasing the reaction rate.
3. Conditions affecting an enzyme's optimal function include temperature (extremes can denature the enzyme), pH (each enzyme has an optimal pH), and substrate concentration (saturation can affect the rate).
4. The enzyme has an active site with a specific shape. The substrate binds to the active site in a lock - and - key or induced - fit manner. Once bound, the enzyme facilitates the chemical reaction on the substrate, and then the products are released.

Answer:

1. Amphipathic nature forming a semi - permeable bilayer.
2. Lower activation energy to increase reaction rate.
3. Temperature, pH, substrate concentration.
4. Substrate binds to active site, reaction occurs, products are released.