How and why does an increase in temperature effect the rate of an enzyme substrate reaction?

As temperature increases up to the optimal temperature for the enzyme, the rate of reaction will increase at a steady rate because the kinetic energy of the enzyme and substrate molecules increases, so therefore the moleculess move faster and are more likely to colide, meaning that enzyme subtrate complexes are more likely to form. At temperatures above the optimal temperature for the enzyme, reaction rate drops rapidly. This is because the enzyme molecules will start to denature above optimal temperatures, meaning that the active site changes shape and is no longer complementary to the shape of the substrate, so enzyme substrate complexes cannot form and the reaction cannot procede.

(n.b. this would best answered with the addition of a sketch graph showing temperature vs rate of reaction)

ES
Answered by Edward S. Biology tutor

3068 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between simple diffusion and active transport?


How are new drugs developed and tested?


How do white blood cells protect the body?


What is a gene and why is it relevant?


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