Enzyme action
What Enzyme action means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Enzyme action
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Enzyme action in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A change in shape can change the protein's function, for example an enzyme's active site may no longer fit its substrate.
Chemical digestion uses enzymes, which catalyse the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids into their products.
Enzymes break large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules such as glucose, amino acids and glycerol.
Topics that use Enzyme action
- DNA structure (biology only) (AQA GCSE)
- The human digestive system (AQA GCSE)
- Trophic levels (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Absorption and transport
- Absorption of soluble nutrients
- active site
- Active site and substrate binding
- Algae
- Amino acid sequence
- Amylase
- Anabolic and catabolic reactions
Using Enzyme action in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Biology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge