Describe and explain the effects of non-optimal pH and temperature on enzyme activity.

Enzymes at the wrong pH experience changes in the charge of the molecule, this can cause impacts on hydrogen and iconic bonds. Enzymes become denatured as terry structure is lost and the active site is no longer specific to the substrate.Temperature increases the kinetic energy between enzyme and substrate allowing for more random collisions which in turn allows for more enzyme-substate complexes to be formed. When away from the optimum hydrogen and ionic bonds bonds break due to the increase kinetic energy of the molecule causing loss of tertiary structure which means the active site is no longer complimentary to the substrate. 

DW
Answered by Daisy W. Biology tutor

6246 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What does it mean if genes are linked?


Not all mutations result in a change to the amino acid sequence of the encoded polypeptide. Give an explanation.


Can you explain the four levels of protein folding?


What is the Biuret test? How do I interpret the results?


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