Question

amoeba sisters: video recap enzymes
amoeba sisters video recap: enzymes

1. in the box below, please illustrate an enzyme and substrate. label the following key words in your illustration: enzyme, substrate, and active site.
2. enzymes are typically which type of biomolecule?
3. describe the effects that enzymes can have on substrates.

in order to function efficiently, enzymes need to be at an ideal ph and temperature. different enzymes have different ideal ph and temperature conditions. if the ph or temperature is extreme for a particular enzyme, it can even denature an enzyme, which can prevent it from binding and acting on its substrate. for the following two scenarios, name the variable (temperature or ph) that is affecting the function of the enzyme.
a) atp is produced by cellular respiration in your human body cells. there are a variety of enzymes that work to produce atp, but one of those enzymes is called phosphofructokinase - 1. this enzyme is sensitive to blood acidity. blood can become more acidic if a patient is in respiratory distress.

1. variable affecting enzyme function:

b) a popular lab that can be performed by students is to test the reaction rate of catalase enzyme when it acts on the substrate hydrogen peroxide. catalase has the ability to break down hydrogen peroxide. catalase can be found in beef liver from the grocery store! however, if the beef liver is boiled first, the catalase will not be able to break down hydrogen peroxide.

1. variable affecting enzyme function:

the amoeba sisters
so, uh - you like liver, huh?

Explanation:

1. An enzyme can be illustrated as a large - shaped molecule with a specific pocket (active site) where a smaller - shaped substrate molecule can fit.
2. Enzymes are typically proteins. Proteins are complex biomolecules made of amino acids and have specific three - dimensional structures that allow them to act as enzymes.
3. Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a chemical reaction involving the substrate, thus increasing the rate of the reaction.
4. The variable affecting enzyme function is pH. Blood acidity refers to the pH level of blood, and changes in it can affect the enzyme phosphofructokinase - 1.
5. The variable affecting enzyme function is temperature. Boiling the beef liver changes its temperature, which denatures the catalase enzyme and prevents it from breaking down hydrogen peroxide.

Answer:

1. (Illustration not provided in text - should be a drawing with labeled enzyme, substrate, and active site)
2. Proteins
3. Lower activation energy and increase reaction rate
4. pH
5. Temperature