5. Enzymes

5.1 Enzymes

1. Define the term catalyst as a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction and is not changed by the reaction

2. Define enzymes as proteins that function as biological catalysts

3. Describe why enzymes are important in all living organisms in terms of reaction speed necessary to sustain life

4. Describe enzyme action with reference to the complementary shape of an enzyme and its substrate and the formation of a product (knowledge of the term active site is not required)

5. Investigate and describe the effect of changes in temperature and pH on enzyme activity

Supplement

1. Explain enzyme action with reference to the active site, enzyme-substrate complex, substrate and product

2. Explain the specificity of enzymes in terms of the complementary shape and fit of the active site with the substrate

3. Explain the effect of changes in temperature on enzyme activity in terms of kinetic energy, shape and fit, frequency of effective collisions and denaturation

4. Explain the effect of changes in pH on enzyme activity in terms of shape and fit and denaturation