AAMC FL Practice Exam

What characteristic do enzymes often have related to their substrates?

1. They always contain the substrate in their name

2. They can function without substrates

3. They are not specific to particular substrates

4. They act equally on all types of substrates

The correct answer is: They always contain the substrate in their name

Enzymes have a distinct characteristic often related to their substrates in that many enzymes indeed include the substrate in their name, which gives insight into their function. This naming convention helps to convey information about the enzyme’s specificity and the reaction it catalyzes. For example, the enzyme lactase breaks down lactose, and the name reflects the substrate it acts upon. This specificity is crucial because each enzyme is designed to facilitate a specific chemical reaction involving its particular substrate, highlighting the relationship and promoting understanding of the enzyme's function. Substrates are the reactants that enzymes act upon, and this specificity is a key factor in biochemical reactions, ensuring that the right reactions occur in cellular processes. While some enzymes may have more general names, the trend in naming provides clarity regarding the reaction and the substrate involved. Other options suggest characteristics that misrepresent enzyme behavior. For example, enzymes cannot function without substrates, as substrates are necessary for their catalytic action. Likewise, enzymes exhibit high specificity and do not act on all types of substrates indiscriminately. Therefore, understanding the relationship between enzymes and their substrates is vital in biochemistry and helps clarify their role in metabolic processes.