Factors that affect enzyme action

Need to know

What you need to know

• Low temperatures: Low kinetic energy, infrequent collisions, slow reaction rate.
• Increasing temperature (to optimum): Increased kinetic energy, more frequent and energetic collisions, faster reaction rate (Q10 ≈ 2).
• Optimum temperature: The temperature of maximum enzyme activity.
• High temperatures (above optimum): Bonds (hydrogen, ionic) in the enzyme break, the active site changes shape permanently.
• Denaturation: The irreversible loss of the enzyme's specific 3D structure and function due to high temperatures or extreme pH.

Explanation

Factors that affect enzyme action

1. Low temperatures: Low kinetic energy, infrequent collisions, slow reaction rate.
2. Increasing temperature (to optimum): Increased kinetic energy, more frequent and energetic collisions, faster reaction rate (Q10 ≈ 2).
3. Optimum temperature: The temperature of maximum enzyme activity.
4. High temperatures (above optimum): Bonds (hydrogen, ionic) in the enzyme break, the active site changes shape permanently.