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The Action of Enzymes & Chemical Reactions Video Lecture | Biology for ACT

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FAQs on The Action of Enzymes & Chemical Reactions Video Lecture - Biology for ACT

1. What are enzymes and how do they function in chemical reactions?
Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts in chemical reactions. They speed up the rate of reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Enzymes achieve this by binding to specific substrates and facilitating their conversion into products. This process occurs at the enzyme's active site.
2. Can enzymes function in both forward and reverse reactions?
Yes, enzymes can function in both forward and reverse reactions. Enzymes are not consumed in the reactions they catalyze, so they can effectively facilitate the conversion of substrates into products and vice versa. The direction of the reaction depends on the concentrations of the substrates and products, as well as the equilibrium constant of the reaction.
3. Are all enzymes specific to one particular substrate?
No, not all enzymes are specific to one particular substrate. Some enzymes, known as promiscuous enzymes, can catalyze multiple reactions with different substrates. However, most enzymes have a high degree of specificity and only bind to and catalyze a specific substrate or a group of closely related substrates. This specificity is determined by the enzyme's active site structure and the complementary shape and chemical properties of the substrate.
4. How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?
Temperature and pH can greatly influence enzyme activity. Enzymes have an optimal temperature and pH range at which they function most efficiently. Deviating from this range can denature the enzyme, altering its shape and rendering it inactive. High temperatures can break the weak bonds that maintain the enzyme's tertiary structure, while extreme pH levels can disrupt the ionic and hydrogen bonds within the enzyme. Consequently, the enzyme's active site may no longer be able to bind to the substrate, impairing its catalytic activity.
5. Can enzyme activity be regulated?
Yes, enzyme activity can be regulated in various ways. Cells can regulate enzyme activity through mechanisms such as feedback inhibition, where the end product of a reaction pathway inhibits an earlier enzyme in the pathway. This helps regulate the overall rate of the pathway. Enzyme activity can also be modulated by the presence of cofactors or coenzymes, which are required for the enzyme to function properly. Additionally, enzymes can be regulated through post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation or allosteric regulation, which can activate or inhibit their activity.
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