Properties and Changes in Properties of Matter, Grades 5-8 Substances react chemically in characteristic ways with other substances. In this activity, students examine enzyme specificity. Students also observe the denaturing reaction of proteins and the inhibition of an enzyme. Chemical Reactions, Grades 9-12 Complex chemical reactions take place constantly in our bodies. Students discuss how enzymes work in the body as catalysts, allowing chemical reactions to occur at lower temperatures.
Reaction rates depend in part on temperature.
Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts for chemical reactions in living things. Catalysts accelerate chemical reactions and allow specific reactions to occur at a lower temperature. Structure and Properties of Matter, Grades 9-12 Carbon atoms bond to form a variety of structures, including molecules that are essential to life. Proteins are one class of these biochemical molecules. Students discuss the role of proteins in living things.