NZQA registered unit standard
26487 version 2
Page 1 of 3
Title
Explain the characteristics of enzymes
Level
5
Credits
3
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to describe: the
structure and properties of enzymes; and how enzymes
catalyse chemical reactions.
Classification
Science > Biochemistry
Available grade
Achieved
Entry information
Unit 26490, Demonstrate knowledge of the structure,
properties, and functions of amino acids and proteins; or
demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Recommended skills
and knowledge
Explanatory notes
None.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Describe the structure and properties of enzymes.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The description explains the relationship between primary structure and native
conformation and factors affecting this relationship.
Range
1.2
factors include – pH, temperature, salinity.
The description identifies activation energy, allosteric effectors, competitive and
non-competitive inhibitors, and factors that affect enzyme activity.
Range
cofactor, coenzyme, prosthetic group, metal ion activator,
substrate concentration, product concentration, active site,
inhibitors.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
1.3
26487 version 2
Page 2 of 3
The description outlines the biological role of enzymes.
Range
allosteric enzymes, multi-functional enzymes, iso-enzymes.
Outcome 2
Describe how enzymes catalyse chemical reactions.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The description outlines the mechanisms of enzyme activity.
Range
substrate specificity, orientation, proximity, strain on bonds, proton
exchange.
2.2
The description distinguishes Fischer's lock and key model from Koshland’s
Induced Fit model.
2.3
The description includes the classification of enzymes in accordance with their
catalytic activity.
Replacement information
This unit standard and unit standard 26488 replaced unit
standard 8053.
Planned review date
31 December 2018
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
17 September 2010
N/A
Rollover
2
27 January 2015
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0152
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
26487 version 2
Page 3 of 3
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact NZQA National Qualifications Services nqs@nzqa.govt.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016