How does increasing temperature affect the rate of a reaction in the presence of an enzyme.

Initially increasing temperature will increase the rate of reaction. This is because the substrate molecules have greater kinetic energy so there are more frequent collisions with the enzyme/other molecules. However past a point the increasing temperature will alter the bonds in the tertiary structure of the enzyme causing it to change its shape resulting in less affinity for the substrate. Therefore there will be fewer enzyme-substrate complexes formed so a reduced rate of reaction. This can lead to the rate of reaction dropping to 0.

CR
Answered by Cameron R. Biology tutor

2504 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does DNA replication take place?


What is magnification of a microscope vs. the resolution?


What is the difference between humoral and cell mediated immunity?


Name 2 forms of epigenetic modification, and explain the effect they have on the genotype.


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