Why are enzymes less efficient at temperatures lower than body temperature?

If your body temperature drops, the substrate (the particles that link to the enzyme so that it works) moves slower in your cells because as temperature decreases, so does each individual particle's kinetic energy. This means that there is less chance that the particle meets an enzyme, and less chance that it links to the enzyme correctly. Therefore, enzymes are less efficient.

CC
Answered by Constantinos C. Biology tutor

4808 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

An individual is seated in a darkened room. What would you expect their pupils to look like? A light is shone onto their eyes and a change in their pupils is noted, what change would you expect and why?


How is a sperm cell adapted to its role?


Describe the necessity for a reflex action to occur when, for example, touching a hot surface (2)


What is homeostasis?


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