1. Acids, Bases, and Enzymes
Class Notes 4:
Acids, Bases, and Enzymes

2. I. Acids and bases
Acids and bases are substances that release ions when they dissolve in water.
Acids release a hydrogen ion (H+).
pH is <7
C. Bases release hydroxide ions (OH-).
pH is >7

3. II. pH and Living Things
Organisms depend on chemical reactions inside their cells.
Chemical reactions require a specific pH to occur.
In humans a blood pH >7.8 or <6.8 can be deadly.

4. III. Enzymes
A. Enzymes are important proteins found in living things. They catalyze (increase the speed of) reactions that would otherwise occur slowly or not at all.
B. Enzymes are involved in nearly all metabolic processes.
Ex: Food Digestion

5. C. Enzymes act on a specific substrate at a special site called the activation site.
D. The products are released and the enzyme regains its original shape and can be used again and again.
E. The activities of enzymes depend on:
*temperature*pH of the surroundings*ionic conditions

6. Summary Why are acids and bases important in living things?
What is an enzyme and what factors influence their function?