Bio H - Biochemistry
Study Guide Biochemistry and Enzymes
Enzymes: ase refers to enzymes!
- Basics:
o Begin with a definition of what an enzyme is, what it does and how
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Structure:
o Explain how the structure of an enzyme relates to its function. Include a discussion of the levels of
protein structure, active site and relationship to substrate
o Compare and contrast the two theories of enzyme function (induced fit vs. lock and key)
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Optimal conditions:
o Explain the effect that each of the following variables has on the rate of an enzyme reaction and
HOW the variable causes that effect
 pH (above or below optimal), Temperature (above or below optimal), substrate
concentration, enzyme concentration
o Make sure you know the limits of the above effects (does it increase/decrease indefinitely or is there
a limit)
o Explain how some enzymes need helper molecules and how they work. Include the two types and
examples of each.
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Energy Diagram
o Draw an energy diagram and label the activation energy.
o Define activation energy, endothermic and exothermic.
o Describe how one can tell the two types of reactions above apart.
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Enzyme inhibition
o Explain why the body would want to shut a reaction down
o Describe and compare the two types of inhibition. Diagrams are ok for studying but you must be
able to VERBALLY explain the process
Lab
o Understand the mechanisms of the lab we did and any demonstrations we might have done.
o Know the enzyme reaction for the lab and any demonstrations we might have done
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Biochemistry: obviously enzymes are very closely linked to the rest of the biochem unit. All of the
following are assumed knowledge at this point. If you didn’t get anything below the first time, now is the
time to straighten it out. IT IS NOT GOING AWAY!
o Know the monomers and polymer names for EACH of the four classes of macromolecules
o Explain how dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis work and how ENZYMES ARE NEEDED
o Differentiate between catabolism and anabolisms and relate each to the two chemical reactions
listed above
o Know how proteins are built and that enzymes are proteins
o Think about how homeostasis relates to enzyme function
o Your enzyme lab is absolutely fair game!
There will be a lot of application questions on this quest. Start thinking about the “why is this relevant”
questions. CONCEPT MAPPING CAN BE A BIG HELP!