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Living organisms cannot survive without the presence of enzymes - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2008 - Paper 1
Question 4
Living organisms cannot survive without the presence of enzymes. a. Explain why enzymes are necessary in living organisms. b. Describe the ‘active site’ of an enzy... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Living organisms cannot survive without the presence of enzymes - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2008 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why enzymes are necessary in living organisms.
Answer
Enzymes are necessary for living organisms because they act as catalysts, speeding up biochemical reactions that are essential for life. Without enzymes, these reactions would occur too slowly to sustain life processes. They lower the activation energy required for reactions, thereby increasing reaction rates without being consumed in the process. This is critical for metabolic processes such as digestion, energy production, and cellular repair.
Step 2
Describe the ‘active site’ of an enzyme and explain its role.
Answer
The active site of an enzyme is a specific region where substrate molecules bind. It is typically a small pocket or groove on the enzyme's surface formed by the unique arrangement of amino acids. The role of the active site is to facilitate the conversion of the substrate into products through the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex. This specific interaction ensures that enzymes are selective and efficient, as the active site is shaped to fit only particular substrates.
Step 3
Write a short paragraph to explain the phrase rational drug design.
Answer
Rational drug design involves the process of designing pharmaceutical compounds based on knowledge of the biological target and its structure. By understanding the specific mechanism of a disease and the interaction of enzymes or receptors, scientists can create drugs that either mimic, block, or enhance these interactions. This approach aims to develop more effective medications with minimized side effects by targeting specific biological pathways.
Step 4
Which drug is likely to be the most effective in preventing excessive high blood pressure?
Answer
Designed drug two is likely to be the most effective in preventing excessive high blood pressure because it is specifically shaped to bind to the active site of ACE, effectively inhibiting its action.
Step 5
Give the reasons for your choice in part i.
Answer
The chosen drug’s shape complements the active site of the ACE enzyme, which means it can effectively block or inhibit ACE from converting Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II. This inhibition reduces the production of Angiotensin II, a substance that raises blood pressure, thereby contributing to lowered blood pressure levels in individuals.
Step 6
Explain the process by which this drug would contribute to lowering blood pressure in a person.
Answer
By binding to the active site of ACE, the designed drug would prevent the conversion of Angiotensin I into Angiotensin II. Since Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure, blocking its formation leads to vasodilation and consequently lowers blood pressure. This reduction alleviates the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with high blood pressure.