#AP Biology: Enzyme Function - The Night Before 🚀

Hey! Let's get you prepped for the AP Bio exam with a super-focused review of enzyme function. We'll hit the key points, make sure you're solid on the concepts, and get you feeling confident. Let's do this!

#1. Enzyme Basics: Structure & Function

• Enzymes are biological catalysts (usually proteins) that speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy.
• They have a specific active site where the substrate binds.
• Induced fit model: The enzyme's active site changes shape slightly to better fit the substrate. It's like a handshake!
• Remember: Structure dictates function. If the enzyme's shape changes, it won't work correctly. 💡

#2. Environmental Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

#2.1 Temperature

• Low Temp: Molecules move slower, fewer collisions between enzyme and substrate → reaction rate decreases.

  

  Image courtesy of Giphy.

• Increasing Temp: Molecules move faster, more collisions → reaction rate increases. But there's a limit!

• Too High Temp: Enzyme denatures (loses its 3D shape) because bonds holding the amino acids break. Active site is lost, and the enzyme stops working. Think of it like a key no longer fitting a lock. 🔑

• Optimal Temperature: Each enzyme has a specific temperature at which it works best. For human enzymes, it's around 37°C (98.6°F).

  

  Image Courtesy of Pathwayz

#2.2 pH

• pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.
• Low pH = acidic (high H+ concentration). High pH = basic (low H+ concentration).
• Optimal pH: Each enzyme has a specific pH at which it works best. Most human enzymes prefer a pH of ~7, but some, lik...