Factors Affecting Enzyme Action Flashcards
The effect of temperature on enzyme action
When reactions take place, it normally at a low temperature. With most reactions, as the temperature increases, the rate of the reaction increases. However, when the temperature gets too high, the protein structure of the enzyme changes. The amino acid chain begins to chain and results in the active site changing shape. The substrate will no longer fit in the active site. This is known as being denatured. It cannot act as a catalyst anymore, which causes the rate of the reaction to rapidly decrease.
The effect of pH on enzyme reaction
The shape of the active site of an enzyme comes from forces between different parts of the protein molecule. These forces hold the folded chains in place. If the pH changes, it effects the forces. This would result in a change in shape in the active site which means it will not be able to act as a catalyst anymore. Different enzymes require a different pH level.
