Chemistry in biology - Chemical reactions

10 important questions on Chemistry in biology - Chemical reactions

How does energy change in chemical reactions?

Chemical reactions can be exothermic or endothermic. In exothermic reactions, energy is released in the form of heat or light. As a result, the energy of the product is lower than the energy of the reactants. In endothermic reactions, energy is absorbed. As a result, the energy of the product is higher than the energy of the reactants.

What is a chemical reaction?

A chemical reaction is the process by which atoms or groups of atoms in substances are reorganized into different substances. Chemical bonds are broken and formed during chemical reactions.

What are some clues that a chemical reaction has taken place?

Clues that a chemical reaction has taken place include the production of heat or light, and formation of gas, liquid, or solid.
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What is the role of coefficients in chemical equations?

The larger number to the left of the element is called a coefficient. Coefficients are used to balance chemical equations. If no coefficient or subscript appears with an element, both are assumed to be 1.

How are chemical equations written?

Scientists express chemical reactions as equations. On the left side of the equation are the starting substances, or reactants. On the right side of the equation are the substances formed during the reaction, or the products. An arrow is between these two parts of the equation. You can read the arrow as “yield” or “react to form.”

What are substrates and active sites?

The reactants that bind to the enzyme are called substrates. The specific location where a substrate binds on an enzyme is called the active site. The substrate and active site are shaped to fit together exactly.

What is the enzyme-substrate complex?

The bond between the enzyme and substrates creates the enzyme-substrate complex. This complex helps to break bonds in the reactants and form new bonds, changing the substrates into products. The enzyme then releases the products.

How many hydrogen atoms are on the reactant side of the equation?

2 (coefficient of H) × 2 (subscript of H) = 4 H atoms

How do enzymes affect cell processes?

Enzymes are the chemical workers in cells. The actions of enzymes enable cell processes that supply energy. Factors such as pH and temperature affect enzyme activity.

How many oxygen atoms are on the product side of the equation?

2 (coefficient of O) × 1 (subscript of O) = 2 O atoms

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