Why do enzymes stop working at high temperatures?

With this question, you have to remember that enzymes are proteins. When the temperature gets too hot, the enzyme denatures. Denaturing is where the bonds that hold the enzyme together break, causing the active site of the enzyme to change shape. Because the active site has changed shape, the enzyme is unable to function properly and eventually the enzyme will stop working altogether. The effect of temperature of enzymes can be shown on a graph - you should be able to remember what the graph looks like.

CR

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

evaluate some different treatments for cardiovascular disease (6)


What are neurones?


The average lifespan of a human male can vary from 40 years to 85 years. The lifespan partly depends on the things available in the country where the man lives. Suggest three things that would increase the chance of a man having a longer lifespan.


What are receptors?