B3.5 Factors affecting Enzyme Action Flashcards
1
Q
What two factors can affect enzyme action?
A
Temperature
pH level
2
Q
The rate of enzyme-controlled reactions increases as the temperature increases. Up to what temperature (roughly) does this rule apply? Why?
A
40°C. After this, the enzyme becomes denatured as the bond holding it together break. Since the active site changes shape, it can no longer break apart substrates, decreasing the rate of action.
A change in pH can also result in an enzyme becoming denatured.
3
Q
Give some examples of enzymes which do not work best at 40°C.
A
Bacteria living in hot springs survive at temperatures of >80°C, and bacteria that live in deep seas work effectively <0°C.
