Question

main idea: enzymes allow chemical reactions to occur under tightly controlled conditions.

1. take notes about enzymes by filling in the main idea web below.

why enzymes are necessary:
how structure affects function:
enzymes
important factors in enzyme structure:
lock - and - key model:

1. how do enzymes weaken the bonds in substrates?

vocabulary check

1. the word catalyst comes from the greek word meaning “to dissolve.” how does this definition relate to the meaning of catalyst?
2. how are substrates like keys and enzymes like locks?

Explanation:

4.

• Why enzymes are necessary: Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in living - things, which are essential for life processes like metabolism.
• How structure affects function: The specific 3 - D shape of an enzyme determines its active site, which binds to specific substrates and enables catalysis.
• Important factors in enzyme structure: Amino - acid sequence, secondary and tertiary structures (folding patterns), and the presence of co - factors or co - enzymes.
• Lock - and - key model: The enzyme's active site has a specific shape that fits the substrate like a lock fits a key, allowing for specific binding and reaction.

1. Enzymes weaken substrate bonds by stressing them. The active - site's shape and chemical properties can distort the substrate's bonds, making them more likely to break and react.
2. The Greek root "to dissolve" implies breaking down or facilitating a change. A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed, which is similar to "dissolving" in the sense of promoting a transformation of substances.
3. In the lock - and - key model, just as a key has a unique shape that fits into a specific lock, a substrate has a unique shape that fits into the active site of a specific enzyme, allowing for a specific interaction and reaction.

Answer:

4.

• Why enzymes are necessary: Speed up chemical reactions for life processes.
• How structure affects function: Active - site shape determined by structure binds substrates.
• Important factors in enzyme structure: Amino - acid sequence, folding patterns, co - factors/co - enzymes.
• Lock - and - key model: Enzyme active site fits substrate like lock fits key.

1. By stressing and distorting substrate bonds.
2. Implies promoting transformation similar to catalyst's role.
3. Substrate shape fits enzyme active site like key fits lock.