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

3164 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A patient has the cold, explain to them why antibiotics can only be used to treat certain types of infection and the issues that develop when antibiotics are used too much.


A plant is moving mineral ions from the soil into its roots by the process of active transport. Does this suggest that the concentration of ions is higher in the soil or the roots?


Describe the effect of an increase in ADH production on the kidney and on the composition of urine.


How does the human respiratory system work?


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