Table of Contents
Why do enzymes have optimal temperature and pH?
Basically, as the temperature increases, so does the kinetic energy of the reactants. This increased kinetic energy means that the reactants are more likely to collide with enough energy to allow the reaction to occur, so the higher the temperature, the higher the reaction rate.
What are the optimum conditions for enzymes?
This optimal temperature is usually around human body temperature (37.5 oC) for the enzymes in human cells. Above this temperature the enzyme structure begins to break down (denature) since at higher temperatures intra- and intermolecular bonds are broken as the enzyme molecules gain even more kinetic energy.
How do you find the optimum pH of an enzyme?
The optimal pH can be measured by looking at enzyme activity verses pH. Enzyme activity will increase up to a certain pH; above that pH, the enzyme activity will begin to fall. Graphically, measurement of optimal pH will look like a mountain. The very top indicates the optimal pH.
How does temperature affect the enzyme activity?
Higher temperatures tend to speed up the effect of enzyme activity, while lower temperatures decrease the rate of an enzyme reaction. At higher temperatures, more molecules collide, increasing the chance that an enzyme will collide with its substrate.
How does heat affect enzymes?
Temperature or heat energy can affect the functioning of an enzyme, as if there is too much energy the atoms forming the enzyme and substrate will shake about and bonds will break, meaning the enzyme becomes broken and useless.
What is the definition of optimal temperature?
op·ti·mum tem·per·a·ture. the temperature at which any operation, such as the culture of any special microorganism, is best carried on. optimum temperature. The temperature at which a procedure is best carried out, such as the culture of a given organism or the action of an enzyme.