Download Enzyme Web Quest KEY

Biology
HS/Science
Unit: 03 Lesson: 02
Enzyme Web Quest KEY
Advance Preparation: Locate and preview websites prior to class to determine resources
appropriate for your students’ needs.
Student answers will vary slightly, but should be similar to the following:
Instructions: Use the websites suggested by your teacher (at least three) to help you answer the
questions below:
1. What are enzymes?
Proteins that help speed up chemical reactions
2. What do enzymes have to help them fit their substrates (the molecules that attach to the
enzyme)?
Enzymes have an active site to match up with their substrate.
3. What would happen without enzymes?
Many important life processes would not happen without enzymes.
True/False: Enzymes can help many different reactions; they are not specific in their functions.
4. What happens to an enzyme when it performs its function? What does this mean about enzyme
molecules?
When an enzyme performs its function, it is not changed. This means it can be used over
and over again.
5. What determines an enzyme’s function, and how many functions does one enzyme have?
An enzyme’s function is determined by its shape, and each enzyme has one specific
function.
6. What can affect the shape of an enzyme molecule?
High temperatures or extreme pH values can affect an enzyme’s shape.
7. What is denaturing?
It is the process of changing an enzyme’s shape because of high temperatures or extreme
pH values. It makes the enzyme less effective or even completely useless.
8. Write 1–2 sentences summarizing what this website says the job of enzymes is (What do they
compare enzymes to in your everyday life?)?
Student answers will vary, but should be something related to enzymes being like locks
and keys.
9. What is the four-step process of an enzyme at work?
First, an enzyme and a substrate must be in the same area.
Second, the enzyme grabs onto the substrate at a special area called the active site. This
area is specially shaped and fits around the substrate.
©2012, TESCCC
04/19/13
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Biology
HS/Science
Unit: 03 Lesson: 02
Third, catalysis happens. This is when the substrate is changed. It might be broken down
or bonded with another molecule to make something new.
Lastly, the enzyme lets go. The enzyme is not changed and is ready to do another reaction.
The substrate is different now, and it is called the product.
10. How does temperature help control enzymes?
Enzymes change shape as temperature changes, so temperature changes can mess up the
enzyme and cause it to not work anymore.
11. How do pH levels affect enzymes?
Acidity also affects an enzyme’s shape, so if the pH near an enzyme becomes too acidic, it
can change shape and make the enzyme ineffective.
12. What do inhibitors do to enzyme activity?
Inhibitors slow down or stop the activity of an enzyme. They usually bond to the protein
and change the shape of the enzyme, causing it to become ineffective.
13. How could you determine the correct temperature range, salt concentration, and pH for a specific
enzyme?
You could design an experiment to test different temperatures, salt concentrations, and/or
pH to determine the best conditions for the enzyme. You could also do research to see if
other scientists have already determined the correct ranges.
Types of Enzymes in the Human Body:
Use Google or Yahoo search engine to complete the following. For each enzyme listed below, search
and read about each enzyme. What does it help the body do? Where is it located in the body? What
might happen if that enzyme was not there or did not work properly? Write AT LEAST three
sentences for EACH enzyme, AND write down the URL of the website(s) you used.
1. Salivary Amylase:
Student answers will vary, but should include the following concepts:
•
Enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into simpler compounds
•
Helps begin the process of digestion in the mouth
•
Present in human saliva (in the mouth)
• If it were not present, you would not be able to break down complex sugars into simpler
sugars in your mouth, which would make digestion of sugars difficult.
Website(s) where I found my information:
Students should list websites used to find their information.
2. Pepsin (protease):
Student answers will vary, but should include the following concepts:
•
In stomach juice
•
Helps breakdown proteins like those in dairy, meat, nuts, and eggs
•
Small amounts are also found in the intestine and the blood stream.
• Without pepsin, the body would be unable to breakdown proteins into their peptide and
amino acid parts.
©2012, TESCCC
04/19/13
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Biology
HS/Science
Unit: 03 Lesson: 02
Website(s) where I found my information:
Students should list websites used to find their information.
3. Lactase:
Student answers will vary, but should include the following concepts:
•
Found in the small intestine, liver, and kidney
•
Breaks down the milk sugar and lactose into simpler sugars (glucose and galactose)
•
Very abundant in infants
• Without lactase, the body is unable to breakdown milk products. People without lactase
are said to be lactose intolerant. They may have to avoid all dairy products or take
medications with synthetic lactase to help them digest dairy products.
Website(s) where I found my information:
Students should list websites used to find their information.
4. Catalase:
Student answers will vary, but should include the following concepts:
•
Found throughout the body, usually in cell organelles called peroxisomes
•
Breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen
• Hydrogen peroxide is a waste product of cells, but it is toxic to the body. So, without
catalase, hydrogen peroxide would build up and cause cell and tissue damage.
Website(s) where I found my information:
Students should list websites used to find their information.
Possible Resources:
Websites are subject to changes and may have associated links that are neither referenced nor
approved by CSCOPE. District personnel are encouraged to preview and vet all websites, resources,
and references in accordance with district policy.
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/bio_enzymes.html
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/bio_enzymes2.html
http://programs.northlandcollege.edu/biology/Biology1111/animations/enzyme.swf
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/cellular-microscopic/cell2.htm
©2012, TESCCC
04/19/13
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