FOCUS ON: Enzymes

Part 1 - Keywords:

1. Enzymes

2. Denaturation

3. Active Site

4. Temperature

5. Substrate Concentration

6. pH

7. Enzyme Activity

Part 2 - Key Facts:

Enzymes:

• Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms.

Denaturation:

• Enzymes can be denatured, resulting in the alteration of the active site's shape.

• Denaturation often leads to a loss of enzyme function.

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity:

1. Temperature:

   • Increased temperature generally increases enzyme activity.

   • However, excessive heat can lead to denaturation.

2. Substrate Concentration:

   • Higher substrate concentration usually enhances enzyme activity.

   • At saturation, where all active sites are occupied, further substrate increase won't affect the rate.

3. pH:

   • Enzymes have an optimum pH for maximum activity.

   • Deviation from the optimum pH can alter the active site and decrease enzyme efficiency.

Part 3 - Quick Quiz:

1. What are enzymes?

   a) Biological catalysts

   b) Energy molecules

   c) Structural proteins

   Answer: a) Biological catalysts

2. What is denaturation in enzymes?

   a) Loss of substrate

   b) Alteration of active site shape

   c) Increase in enzyme activity

   Answer: b) Alteration of active site shape

3. How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

   a) Higher temperature always decreases activity

   b) Higher temperature usually increases activity, but excessive heat can denature enzymes.

   c) Temperature has no effect on enzyme activity.

   Answer: b) Higher temperature usually increases activity, but excessive heat can denature enzymes.

Part 4 - Going Further:

Question: Explain the concept of denaturation in enzymes and its impact on the active site. Discuss the factors influencing enzyme activity and how they can be optimised for efficient catalysis.

Answer: Denaturation in enzymes involves changes in the active site's shape, leading to a loss of function. Temperature, substrate concentration, and pH are critical factors influencing enzyme activity. Understanding and optimising these factors are essential for maximising enzymatic efficiency.

Part 5 - Revision Tips: Focus on grasping the role of enzymes as catalysts, the concept of denaturation, and how temperature, substrate concentration, and pH affect enzyme activity.

.Stay tuned for the next issue, where we'll delve into more intriguing topics in GCSE Science.