Subjects
Maths
Biology
Chemistry
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
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1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
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Biology
7 Dec 2025
152
2 pages
paige gibbs @paigegibbs_vuvr
Enzymes are absolutely essential biological catalysts that your body uses constantly to speed up chemical reactions. Think of... Show more
Your body produces thousands of different enzymes - special proteins made from long chains of amino acids. Each enzyme has a unique shape that determines exactly what job it can do, making them incredibly specific workers in your cells.
Enzymes work like molecular scissors. They grab onto substances called substrates (the reactants) at a special spot called the active site. This active site has a unique shape that only fits certain substrates - if it doesn't fit perfectly, the reaction simply won't happen.
Once the enzyme binds to its substrate, it breaks it down into smaller products. The amazing thing is that the enzyme itself doesn't get used up - it's released unchanged and ready to work again immediately.
Quick Tip Remember that enzymes are reusable! One enzyme molecule can catalyse thousands of reactions in just seconds.
The lock and key model explains enzyme action brilliantly. Think of the enzyme as a lock and the substrate as the key - they must fit together perfectly. The substrate binds to the enzyme, gets broken down into products, then the products are released, leaving the enzyme free for the next reaction.
Digestive enzymes are produced by specialised cells in your glands and gut lining. These enzymes flow into your digestive system where they encounter food molecules and break them down from large, insoluble chunks into tiny, soluble pieces your blood can absorb.
The three main types you need to know are protease (breaks down proteins), lipase (tackles fats and oils), and carbohydrase (handles carbohydrates). Without these molecular workers, you simply couldn't extract nutrients from your food.
Remember Each enzyme type is highly specific - protease won't work on fats, and lipase can't break down proteins!
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the formation and functions of triglycerides and phospholipids, including ester bonds, energy storage, and membrane structure. This summary covers key concepts such as cholesterol's role in membrane fluidity and the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of lipids. Ideal for students studying lipid biochemistry.
BiologyExplore the differences between light and electron microscopes, including their structures, magnification capabilities, and applications in viewing cellular details. This summary provides essential insights into how these instruments enhance our understanding of microscopic life.
BiologyExplore the essential roles of digestive enzymes in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. This summary covers the functions of lipases, proteases, and amylase, detailing their sources and the digestion process. Ideal for biology students seeking to understand nutrient absorption and enzyme activity.
BiologyExplore the fundamental concepts of cellular structure and function, including detailed insights into animal, plant, and bacterial cells. This summary covers key components such as mitochondria, ribosomes, and chloroplasts, as well as enzyme activity and microscopy techniques. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for Edexcel exams.
BiologyExplore the key factors affecting enzyme activity, including temperature, pH, and substrate concentration. This summary covers enzyme structure, the active site, and the 'lock and key' model, providing essential insights for GCSE Biology students. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding enzyme kinetics.
BiologyExplore the key digestive enzymes: Amylase, Protease, and Lipase. This summary covers their functions, production sites, and optimal pH levels for activity. Ideal for students studying human biology and digestive processes.
BiologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
paige gibbs
@paigegibbs_vuvr
Enzymes are absolutely essential biological catalysts that your body uses constantly to speed up chemical reactions. Think of them as molecular machines that break down your food, help you breathe, and keep every cell functioning properly.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Your body produces thousands of different enzymes - special proteins made from long chains of amino acids. Each enzyme has a unique shape that determines exactly what job it can do, making them incredibly specific workers in your cells.
Enzymes work like molecular scissors. They grab onto substances called substrates (the reactants) at a special spot called the active site. This active site has a unique shape that only fits certain substrates - if it doesn't fit perfectly, the reaction simply won't happen.
Once the enzyme binds to its substrate, it breaks it down into smaller products. The amazing thing is that the enzyme itself doesn't get used up - it's released unchanged and ready to work again immediately.
Quick Tip: Remember that enzymes are reusable! One enzyme molecule can catalyse thousands of reactions in just seconds.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The lock and key model explains enzyme action brilliantly. Think of the enzyme as a lock and the substrate as the key - they must fit together perfectly. The substrate binds to the enzyme, gets broken down into products, then the products are released, leaving the enzyme free for the next reaction.
Digestive enzymes are produced by specialised cells in your glands and gut lining. These enzymes flow into your digestive system where they encounter food molecules and break them down from large, insoluble chunks into tiny, soluble pieces your blood can absorb.
The three main types you need to know are protease (breaks down proteins), lipase (tackles fats and oils), and carbohydrase (handles carbohydrates). Without these molecular workers, you simply couldn't extract nutrients from your food.
Remember: Each enzyme type is highly specific - protease won't work on fats, and lipase can't break down proteins!
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the formation and functions of triglycerides and phospholipids, including ester bonds, energy storage, and membrane structure. This summary covers key concepts such as cholesterol's role in membrane fluidity and the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of lipids. Ideal for students studying lipid biochemistry.
BiologyExplore the differences between light and electron microscopes, including their structures, magnification capabilities, and applications in viewing cellular details. This summary provides essential insights into how these instruments enhance our understanding of microscopic life.
BiologyExplore the essential roles of digestive enzymes in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. This summary covers the functions of lipases, proteases, and amylase, detailing their sources and the digestion process. Ideal for biology students seeking to understand nutrient absorption and enzyme activity.
BiologyExplore the fundamental concepts of cellular structure and function, including detailed insights into animal, plant, and bacterial cells. This summary covers key components such as mitochondria, ribosomes, and chloroplasts, as well as enzyme activity and microscopy techniques. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for Edexcel exams.
BiologyExplore the key factors affecting enzyme activity, including temperature, pH, and substrate concentration. This summary covers enzyme structure, the active site, and the 'lock and key' model, providing essential insights for GCSE Biology students. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding enzyme kinetics.
BiologyExplore the key digestive enzymes: Amylase, Protease, and Lipase. This summary covers their functions, production sites, and optimal pH levels for activity. Ideal for students studying human biology and digestive processes.
BiologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
