Question 16.CC.10: Enzyme Activity Describe how each of the following affects t......
Enzyme Activity
Describe how each of the following affects the activity of an enzyme:
a. decreasing the pH from the optimum pH
b. increasing the temperature from the optimum temperature
c. increasing the substrate concentration at constant temperature and pH
a. A more acidic environment disrupts the hydrogen bonds and salt bridges of the tertiary structure, which causes a loss of enzymatic activity.
b. When the temperature is increased above the optimum temperature, the tertiary structure breaks down (denaturation), the shape of the active site deteriorates, and enzyme activity is lost.
c. An increase in a substrate concentration increases the rate of reaction until all the enzyme has combined with substrate. Then the reaction rate of an enzyme continues at a constant rate.