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

2932 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how the structure of alveoli in the lungs enables efficient oxygen supply during aerobic respiration?


Explain the difference between a passive process and an active process.


Explain how the hormone insulin controls blood glucose concentration


a) Plants need energy to make glucose. How do plants get this energy?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning