Enzyme Structure and Function

Eileen·

Biology

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At a Glance

SubjectBiology

Original Prompt

create an activity and worksheet, with answer key, to go with: What Are Enzymes? Enzymes are biological catalysts – they speed up the chemical reactions that take place inside all cells, but without being used up in the process. There are many thousands of different types of enzymes, and each one catalyzes a different reaction. Cells create enzymes based on instructions carried in the cell’s genes (DNA). What are enzymes made of? Enzymes are protein molecules, and so are made up of amino acids.

This resource covers the structure and function of enzymes, emphasizing how their unique shapes determine their specific roles as biological catalysts. Students will learn about key terms such as enzyme, catalyst, active site, substrate, and amino acids. The lesson explores the 'Lock and Key' model to illustrate enzyme specificity and includes a case study on salivary amylase to analyze how temperature affects enzyme activity. Through guided comparisons with other proteins and independent practice questions, students will deepen their understanding of enzyme roles in biological systems and the significance of optimal conditions for enzyme function. The document also addresses common misconceptions and includes a rubric for self-assessment.