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EnzymesEdexcel GCSE Biology: Flashcards

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What is an enzyme?

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What is an enzyme?
A biological catalyst, made of protein, that speeds up a specific reaction without being used up.
Define 'active site'.
The region of an enzyme with a shape complementary to its substrate, where the reaction occurs.
Explain enzyme specificity.
An enzyme's active site has a shape complementary to only one substrate shape, so it will only catalyse the reaction of that specific substrate.
Explain how high temperature denatures an enzyme.
High temperature breaks the bonds holding the enzyme's tertiary structure together; this changes the active site's shape so the substrate no longer fits.
Explain how extreme pH denatures an enzyme.
Extreme pH disrupts the bonds maintaining the enzyme's 3D shape, changing the active site's shape.
What happens to enzyme activity above the optimum temperature?
Rate falls sharply because the enzyme denatures.
What happens to reaction rate as substrate concentration increases?
Rate increases until all active sites are occupied, then plateaus.
Name the core practical investigating pH and enzyme activity.
Investigating the effect of pH on the breakdown of starch by amylase, timed using the iodine test.
Give the equation for calculating rate from time taken.
Rate = 1 ÷ time taken.
Name the reagent and positive result for testing reducing sugars.
Benedict's solution, heated; blue to green/yellow/brick-red precipitate.
Name the reagent and positive result for testing protein.
Biuret test; blue to purple/lilac.
Name the test and positive result for identifying lipids.
Sudan III or ethanol emulsion test; red stain or milky white emulsion.
What are carbohydrates, proteins and lipids broken down into?
Carbohydrates → simple sugars; proteins → amino acids; lipids → fatty acids and glycerol.
Give the calorimetry equation for energy transferred to water.
Energy (J) = mass of water (g) × temperature change (°C) × 4.2.