Explain the effect of an increase in temperature on enzymatic activity

All enzymes have an optimum temperature, at which rate of reaction/catalysis is fastest. Any deviation from the optimum temperature will slow down rate of reaction.

Like most chemical reactions, an increase in temperature will increase the rate of reaction. However, enzymes are proteins and have the ability to be denatured above a certain temperature. At this point, the enzyme loses its catalytic properties and rate of reaction will decrease rapidly.

The relationship between temperature change and rate of enzyme activity is best demonstrated with this graph; commonly reffered to as 'the bell curve'.

CT
Answered by Charlie T. Biology tutor

4681 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the hormone changes that occur during a womens menstrual cycle


I don't understand anaerobic respiration and what an 'oxygen debt' is?


Describe mitosis as part of the cell cycle


How does the kidney filter blood?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences