ChemistryChapter 15: Biochemistry
Enzymes and Denaturation
**Enzymes** are biological catalysts that increase reaction rates, while denaturation
Definition
Enzymes are biological catalysts that increase reaction rates, while denaturation is a change in a protein's three-dimensional structure that can reduce or destroy its biological activity.
Formula / Key Relation
Enzymes: increase reaction rate; are not used up overall; are often specific to particular substrates; work best within suitable temperature and pH ranges. High temperature or extreme pH can change the enzyme's shape. This can cause denaturation. Simplified: `Enzyme + Substrate ⇌ Enzyme–Substrate Complex → Enzyme + Product`
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Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Enzymes and Denaturation
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
ENZYMES
- Biological catalysts
- Active site
- Specific substrate
- Not used up overall
- DENATURATION
- High temperature
- Extreme pH
- ↓
- Shape changes
- ↓
- Activity decreases
60-second revision
- Enzymes speed biological reactions, but high temperatures or unsuitable pH can denature them and alter active-site shape.
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