Enzymes Like it Warm but Not Too Hot Flashcards
What does changing the temp do?
It changes the rate of an enzyme-catalysed reaction
Why does a higher temperature increases the rate at first?
More heat means the enzymes and then substrate particles have more energy, so they move about more - have a higher collision rate
What effect do lower temperatures have?
There’s a lower collision rate and so a slower reaction
What happens if it gets too hot?
Some of the bonds holding the enzyme together will break
What happens when the enzyme loses its shape?
It’s active site doesn’t fit the shape of the substrate any more
What is bad about the active site not fitting any more?
It can’t catalyse the reactions and the reaction stops - the enzyme can’t function
After this has happened, what is the enzyme said to be?
Denatured
What is the optimum temperature?
The temperate at which the reaction goes fastest. Just before it gets too hot and starts to denature
What is the optimum temperature for the most important human enzymes?
37 °C - the same temp as our bodies
