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
Answered by Callum R. Biology tutor

10056 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Define osmosis


What are the differences between the nervous and endocrine systems in maintaining homeostasis?


What happens to the blood when it enters the heart?


Describe how animals and plants are adapted to survive in dry conditions such as deserts. For each adaptation that you give, describe how the adaptation helps the animal or plant to survive in dry conditions.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning