Topic Five (1.5): Enzymes

Introduction

Enzymes are proteins with a specific three-dimensional shape. Enzymes bring about the chemical reactions that sustain life. The chemical reactions that are essential to life are called the metabolism. Enzymes enable the chemical reactions to occur without themselves changing and so they act as catalysts: they are referred to as ‘biological catalysts’. Enzyme activity is affected by changes to pH and temperature.

The following key areas are covered in this topic:

• Enzymes as Biological Catalysts
• Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
• Reviewing Learning

Topic Five is broken down into the following study sessions:

Session One (1.5.1): Enzymes: Protein Molecules with a Specific Shape and Role

Session Two (1.5.2): Enzyme Investigation

Session Three (1.5.3) Reviewing Understanding