Short Q/A Metabolism

According to the induced fit model, the active site is flexible. Does it mean that any substrate can attach to this flexible active site? If not, then explain.

No, not any substrate can attach to a flexible active site. According to the induced fit model, the enzyme’s active site changes shape upon binding to the substrate, but it still requires a specific fit. The flexibility allows the enzyme to better accommodate the substrate, but only substrates that have complementary shapes and chemical properties … Read more

Why is a small quantity of enzyme enough for catalyzing a large number of substrate molecules into products?

Enzymes are highly efficient, and a small amount of enzyme can catalyze the transformation of many substrate molecules. Enzymes are not consumed in the reaction, allowing them to be reused multiple times. This efficiency means that even small amounts of enzymes can catalyze large-scale reactions.   Related Questions: Why are enzymes called biological catalysts? Name … Read more

Why are enzymes specific and why can’t each one speed up many different reactions?

Enzymes are specific because the active site of each enzyme has a unique shape that fits only a particular substrate, similar to how a lock fits a specific key. This specificity ensures that enzymes catalyze only specific reactions. Their structure and amino acid sequence dictate which substrates they can interact with, and hence, each enzyme … Read more

What happens when a protein-digesting enzyme functions in an acidic medium?

A protein-digesting enzyme like pepsin functions best in an acidic medium, such as the pH found in the stomach (around 1.5 to 2). This acidic environment helps maintain the enzyme’s optimal structure, enabling it to break down proteins efficiently. Related Questions: Why are enzymes called biological catalysts? Name the factors affecting enzyme activity. At what … Read more

What happens to an enzyme when it is frozen below 0°C?

When an enzyme is frozen below 0°C, its molecular motion slows down significantly, causing it to become inactive. However, freezing does not usually denature the enzyme. Once thawed, the enzyme can regain its activity, assuming no irreversible damage occurred to its structure. Related Questions: Why are enzymes called biological catalysts? Name the factors affecting enzyme … Read more

Name the factors affecting enzyme activity. At what pH do pepsin and trypsin enzymes act the best?

Factors affecting enzyme activity include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators. Pepsin works best in an acidic medium, with an optimal pH of around 1.5–2.5, while trypsin works best in an alkaline medium, around pH 8. Related Questions: Why are enzymes called biological catalysts? What happens to an … Read more

Why are enzymes called biological catalysts?

Enzymes are called biological catalysts because they speed up the rate of biochemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the reaction. They work by lowering the activation energy required for reactions, which makes them more efficient and specific compared to inorganic catalysts.   Related Questions: Name the factors affecting enzyme activity. At what … Read more