factors affecting enzymes Flashcards
what are the factors affecting enzymes
- concentraion of enzymes
- concentration of substrates
- products of reaction must be removed
- temperature
- pH
- co-factors present
- enzyme inhibitors
what is the activation energy
the energy required for a chemical reaction
concentration of enzymes
If you double the concentration of the enzymes then it would double the rate of reaction, meaning it will be half the time
concentration of substrates
Increasing substrate concentration also increases the rate of reaction. This occurs because there are more substrate molecules coming into contact with enzymes. However, the concentration of the substrate will get to a point where all enzymes are being occupied which will result in the rate of the reaction being constant.
products of reaction must be removed
once the products are made they will interfere with the enzyme’s job as they slow down the rate of reaction. They make it more difficult for substrate molecules to make contact with enzymes unless removed
temperature
As the temperature increases, the structure of the enzyme will change and they will denature, slowing down the rate of reaction
pH level
Enzymes have an optimal pH. pH is a scale showing the degree of acidity and alkalinity. Not all enzymes work best at the same pH. The optimal is dependent on where the enzymes environment
what pH level does the stomach have
pepsin - pH 2
what pH level does the mouth have
salivary amylase - pH 7.2
what pH does the small intestine have
trypsin - pH 9
enzyme inhibitors
are substances that slow or even stop the enzyme’s activity. Inhibitors may be used by cells to control reactions so that products are produced in specific amounts
what is the enzyme inhibitors formula
cellular respiration = glucose + oxygen -> energy
what is an example of an enzyme inhibitor?
An aspirin molecule will attach itself to a prostaglandin enzyme. This causes it to not be able to send a message to the brain. An aspirin is an enzyme inhibitor.
