Biochemical reactions and enzymes - Lindsey
Curriculum expectations
[B3.4] Describe the chemical structures and mechanisms of various enzymes
[B3.5] Identify and describe the four main types of biochemical reactions (oxidation-reduction [redox], hydrolysis, condensation, and neutralization)
[B3.5] Identify and describe the four main types of biochemical reactions (oxidation-reduction [redox], hydrolysis, condensation, and neutralization)
Learning goals - Students will
- Identify the four main types of biochemical reactions (oxidation-reduction, hydrolysis, condensation, and neutralization).
- Describe the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions (related to activation energy).
- Use models to explain how enzymes catalyze reactions.
- Describe the factors that affect enzyme activity.
- Identify various enzymes and their functions in biological systems.
- Complete a laboratory investigation of the effect of concentration on enzyme activity.
COurse content
NEUTRALIZATION REACTIONs
CONDENSATION (DEHYDRATION SYNTHESIS)
Hydrolysis
OXIDATION REDUCTION REACTION (REDOX)
Enzymes
Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts. Enzymes reduce the activation energy required to start a reaction. Thus, if less energy is required, the reaction will occur at a faster rate, reaching equilibrium faster. Without enzymes, biochemical reactions would occur at a rate that is too slow to sustain life.
Enzyme Information:
Applications:
Enzyme Information:
- Enzymes are specific to a reaction and a substrate - this is termed ENZYME SPECIFICITY
- Enzymes work by a lock and key model (see diagram below)
- Enzymes work on substrates in one of three ways: change their orientation to help form a bond, uses physical stress to break the substrate, and they change the placement of electrons to increase the substrate's reactivity (ability to bond with other molecules)
- The substrate interacts with the enzyme at its active site; the substrate is then modified into the product and released by the enzyme
- Inhibitors can bind to the active site of enzymes to prevent a reaction from occuring; this is called COMPETITIVE INHIBITION
- Enzyme activity is affected by temperature, pressure, pH, and concentration
Applications:
- Synthesis of antibiotics
- Household washing powders
- Muscle contraction
- Signal transduction between cells
- Digestion of food
Hooks
TED-Ed is a great resource for online learning. There are a wide range of videos to suit your curriculum needs. The videos are accompanied by quizzes, and additional information. Better yet, if you don't like the lesson that is created, just flip the lesson and create your own!
Just click on the links to the right to take a look at some examples covering enzyme activity. |
Sample Class Activities
Enzyme Model
Research Project
- Students will create a model to demonstrate their understanding of enzymes and their role in biochemical reactions
- Students can choose any way to model the information
- Some models may include: craft materials (clay, pipe cleaner, etc.), songs, dance, skit, storyboard
Research Project
- Students will research a topic that analyzes the technological applications of enzymes
- Students must discuss topic choice with teacher
- Can present their information in one of the following options: screecast, class presentation, or research paper
sample Labs
Peggy Skinner: Enzyme Reaction Rates Using Toothpickase - Click here
(Accessed from Access Excellence Activities Exchange)
Michalecki, Luong, and Row: The effect of concentration on enzyme activity - Click here to download
(Accessed from Access Excellence Activities Exchange)
Michalecki, Luong, and Row: The effect of concentration on enzyme activity - Click here to download
Resources
Khan Academy: Oxidation and Reduction Review From Biological Point-of-View
Click here
McGraw Hill Virtual Lab: Enzyme-Controlled Reactions
Click here
Lew-Port's Biology Place: Enzyme Animation
Click here
Click here
McGraw Hill Virtual Lab: Enzyme-Controlled Reactions
Click here
Lew-Port's Biology Place: Enzyme Animation
Click here