What is an isoenzyme? Explain how doctors use LDH to diagnose whether someone has had a heart attack? Explain how isoenzymes play a role in the diagnosis.

Final Exam Instructions

For the short answer questions where you are asked to explain, answer the question in complete sentences. Limit your answer to 3-5 sentences, unless stated otherwise. Answer questions in your own words to show good comprehension. If you must quote something, include that reference in your answer with a proper citation.

1. What are the functions of enzymes in living organisms? Explain the induced fit model of enzymes? How do they affect chemical reactions in terms of energy? (3 pts)
2. What is an isoenzyme? Explain how doctors use LDH to diagnose whether someone has had a heart attack? Explain how isoenzymes play a role in the diagnosis. (3 pts)
3. The terms allosteric site and non-competitive inhibition are closely related. Explain how non-competitive inhibitors use allosteric sites to control enzyme activity. (3 pts)
4. In your own words, explain the difference between a non-competitive inhibitor and a competitive inhibitor. Why are irreversible inhibitors generally considered toxic? (3 pts)
5. RNA vaccines work differently than vaccines in the past. Instead of virus antigens being injected into the bloodstream, mRNA is injected. Answer the following questions that relate to the biochemistry of how a mRNA vaccine works. Draw a diagram with comments, if you like. (3 pts)
6. What kind of molecule does the mRNA code for in a mRNA vaccine?
7. By what process is this molecule produced in the cell?
8. What becomes of the mRNA after it produces these molecules?
9. Explain the similarities and differences between waxes and triglycerides in terms of chemical properties and function in living organisms. (3 pts)

A                                               B                                       C                                                 D

Figure 1: Structures of organic molecules and their interactions.  Two molecule pairs are shown.  On the left are Molecules A, then B and on the right are Molecules C, then D.

7. Identify the molecules (A, B, C, and D) and describe the molecular interactions shown in Figure 1. Why are these interactions important? (3 pts)
8. In Figure 1 you can see an R attached to each structure. What does the R represent? Is it a specific element? If so, what is the name of that element? (3 pts)
9. Explain how the arrangement of molecules in Figure 1 would be different in RNA, including the change(s) in the R-group(s). (3 pts)
10. Describe the difference between Translation and Transcription and where they occur. (3 pts)