Factors Effecting Enzyme Action

• What factors affect enzyme activity?

  Temperature and pH
• What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

  They denature
• How does high temperature affect the active site of an enzyme?

  The shape of the active site changes
• How does pH affect enzyme activity?

  It affects the shape of the active site of an enzyme
• What does it mean for an enzyme to be denatured?

  It has changed shape and stopped working
• What is the relationship between pH and enzyme activity?

  Most enzymes work best at a particular pH
• How do scientists use graphs in enzyme studies?

  • Convert tables of figures into interpretable forms
  • Show results of enzyme-controlled reactions as line graphs
  • Illustrate trends over time
• What is a key point regarding the effect of temperature and pH on enzyme activity?

  High temperature and extreme pH denature enzymes
• What is the significance of the shape of the active site in enzyme function?

  It affects the enzyme's ability to function
• When do reactions take place faster?

  When it is warmer
• How do the molecules move around at higher temperatures?

  more quickly - colliding with each other more often, with more energy
• Where are enzymes that work best in acidic conditions found?

  in the stomach
• What is the folded shape of the protein molecule that forms an enzyme held together by?

  forces
• How does the active site change when the pH is changed?

  The change in pH affects the forces holding the enzyme together
• When does the enzyme work the most efficiently?

  Optimal conditions (temperature & pH)
• What happens to the enzyme when the pH is too acidic or alkaline?

  It becomes denatured