Factors effecting enzyme activity Flashcards
Define denatured enzyme
A denatured enzyme has lost its shape and can no longer function
What affects the rate of reaction in enzyme reactions?
Any change in the ideal conditions of an enzyme will affect the rate of the reaction.
What happens to an enzymes rate of reaction when the temperature is very low?
At very low temperatures, ice forms. This means that cell contents become solid and enzymes cannot work.
What happens to an enzymes rate of reaction when the temperature rises from 0 degrees Celcius?
The rate of molecular movement increases. This causes substrate molecules and enzymes to collide with each other more often. As a result the rate of reaction increases.
At what temperatures do enzymes in humans work best?
They work best from 35 degrees to 39 degrees and specifically 37 degrees.
What temperature do most plant enzymes work best?
From 20-30 degrees celsius.
What happens when enzymes are in an environment above a certain temperature?
The enzymes begin to lose their 3-d shape and the rate of reaction falls
What is an enzyme said to be when the shape of an enzyme is fully lost?
It is said to be denatured.
When an enzyme is denatured what does it lose?
It has lost its ability to function
What other factors can denature an enzyme other than temperature?
Unsuitable pH, inhibitors and radiation
What can basic also be known as on a pH scale?
Alkaline
What are enzymes very sensitive to?
They are very sensitive to changes in pH.
Since enzymes are very sensitive to pH, what does this mean?
Enzymes only work over a very narrow pH range. For most enzymes, this is pH 6-8.
When an enzyme is outside its optimum pH range, what happens?
The activity of the enzyme falls quite rapidly.
What is the optimum pH for most enzymes?
pH 7
