Enzyme Action Flashcards
1
Q
What happens when an enzyme denatures?
A
Its active site changes shape, meaning it can no longer bind to its substrate
2
Q
Explain how temperature affects enzyme activity
A
As temperature increases up to an optimum, rate of
reaction increases. The molecules gain kinetic energy so more frequent enzyme-substrate collisions occur.
However, as temperature increases above optimum, rate of
reaction decreases to 0 as enzymes denature so substrate no longer fits
3
Q
Explain how pH affects enzyme activity
A
Enzyme activity is at a maximum at an optimum pH
as pH is increased above or decreased below this,
enzyme activity decreases
above optimum pH enzymes denature
so substrate no longer fits