Enzymes: function, structure and specificity
I can explain what an enzyme is and why the shape of an enzyme is important for how it works.
Enzymes: function, structure and specificity
I can explain what an enzyme is and why the shape of an enzyme is important for how it works.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions.
- Without enzymes, many reactions would happen too slowly to support life.
- Enzymes catalyse reactions essential to life, including digestion and reactions in photosynthesis and respiration.
- Each enzyme has a 3D shape with an active site that a specific substrate fits into.
- The lock and key model to explain enzyme-substrate interactions.
Keywords
Enzyme - A protein which acts as a biological catalyst.
Catalyst - A substance that speeds up the rate of a reaction without being used up.
Active site - The part of an enzyme where the substrate binds.
Substrate - The substance which is acted upon by the enzyme.
Model - Scientists use models as simpler representations of complex things and ideas.
Common misconception
That enzymes are used up in reactions, or that an enzyme can catalyse many different reactions.
Enzymes are not used up in the reactions that they catalyse, and that they can only catalyse one reaction, as explained by the lock and key hypothesis.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
substance which speeds up the rate of a reaction without being used up
substance which is acted upon by the enzyme
protein which acts as a biological catalyst
part of an enzyme where the substrate binds
