Describe the factors which affect rate of reaction.

Temperature can affect rate of reaction. As temperature increases, rate of reaction also increases, because enzymes have more kinetic energy. This continues up to the optimum temperature (for enzymes in humans, about 37 degrees). After this temperature, rate decreases because enzymes denature. This changes the shape of the active site so the substrate doesn't fit. pH can also affect rate of reaction. As pH increases, rate also increases. This continues up to the optimum pH (different for different enzymes). After this pH, rate decreases because enzymes denature and the shape of the active site changes.Enzyme concentration can also affect rate of reaction. As enzyme concentration increases, rate of reaction increases because there are more enzymes available to react with substrates. However, after a point, rate of reaction plateaus. This is because all substrates are involved in reactions. Rate won't increase again unless substrate concentration is increased.

AM
Answered by Annalise M. Biology tutor

3731 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration (in animals), when the transition occurs and why there is a need for the body to remove lactic acid that is built up during the process?


Compare anaerobic respiration in a yeast cell with aerobic respiration in a muscle cell (3 marks)


How would you define the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?


Name and describe the cell division process in human tissue cells


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