2.5 Enzymes

Essential Idea:

Enzymes control the metabolism of the cell

Understandings:

  • Enzymes have an active site to which specific substrates bind.
  • Enzyme catalysis involves molecular motion and the collision of substrates with the active site.
  • Temperature, pH and substrate concentration affect the rate of activity of enzymes.
  • Enzymes can be denatured.
  • Immobilized enzymes are widely used in industry.

Applications and skills:

  • Application: Methods of production of lactose-free milk and its advantages.

Skills:

  • Skill: Design of experiments to test the effect of temperature, pH and substrate concentration on the activity of enzymes.
  • Skill: Experimental investigation of a factor affecting enzyme activity. (Practical 3)

Theory of knowledge:

  • Development of some techniques benefits particular human populations more than others. For example, the development of lactose-free milk available in Europe and North America would have greater benefit in Africa/Asia where lactose intolerance is more prevalent. The development of techniques requires financial investment. Should knowledge be shared when techniques developed in one part of the world are more applicable in another?

Introductory Video

Powerpoint

2.5 Enzymes.pptx

Useful Video Clips

Unit Summary Questions

2.5 Enzymes.docx