Explain why a graph showing the substrate concenentration and rate of reaction for an enzyme catalysed reaction plateaus?

Initally, the rate of reaction is able to increase as concentration does because at this point, not all enzymes active sites are occupied. Therefore, by adding more substrate, a higher percentage of enzymes are able to be put to work. However, if the concentration is increased to the saturation point or above it, a graph showing the reaction will plateau. This is because the substrate is now in excess and 100% of the active sites are full. The enzyme at this point is therefore the limiting factor for increasing the rate of reaction

NW
Answered by Nicholas W. Biology tutor

11701 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does glycogen act as a source of energy?


What is the effect of temperature on enzyme activity?


What is a phospholipid and how does it form part of the cell membrane?


How to go about writing an essay in A level biology (for exampe: The importance of proteins in the control of processes and responses in organisms)


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