3.2 Factors Affecting Enzyme Action Flashcards
What temperature do reactions work fastest in?
Warm temps up to 40*
Why do reactions work faster in warmer conditions?
The molecules have more energy so they move around faster and collide more often
Why does the shape of the active site change when the enzyme gets too hot?
The proteins unravel so we say the enzyme has been denatured
What is the average working temp for enzymes?
37*C
How does the enzyme hold its shape?
Forces from different parts of the protein molecules hold the folded chains in place
What factor affects the forces that hold the chains together?
Concentration/pH
Why are enzymes so important?
None of the reactions in our body would happen fast enough without them to keep us alive
Why is it dangerous when our body temp gets too high when we are ill?
Once your body temp reaches 41*C your enzymes will denature and your body reactions won’t happen fast enough so you’ll die
Name 3 things that affect the rate of chemical reactions in the body (not enzymes)
- temperature
- surface area
- concentration
