Understand the nature of enzyme structures and how they work.

• Explain why enzymes are so important to all organisms.
• Describe to which group of organic molecules enzymes belong.
• Contrast active site and binding site.
• Relate the shape of an enzyme to its ability to help in a chemical reaction.
• Define the term activation energy.
• Describe what happens when an enzyme and a substrate combine.

Understand how other molecules can assist in enzyme activity.

• Contrast cofactors, vitamins, and coenzymes.
• Define the term denature.

Know how the environment can affect enzyme action.

• Describe why enzymes work in some situations and not in others.
• Define the term turnover number.
• List what environmental factors are able to alter enzyme activity.

Understand how enzymes can be controlled by the cell.

• Define the terms negative and positive feedback.
• Describe enzymatic competition.
• Explain the role played by gene-regulator proteins in enzyme action.

Recognize that there are metabolic processes basic to all organisms.

• Explain the importance of ATP.
• Describe how the proton pump mechanism generates ATP.