5.1.2

Rate of Enzyme Action

Test yourself

Factors Affecting the Rate of Enzyme Action

The factors that affect the rate (speed) of enzyme action are:

Illustrative background for TemperatureIllustrative background for Temperature ?? "content

Temperature

  • Increasing the temperature of a working enzyme initially increases the reacting activity. Molecules have more kinetic energy, so there are more frequent collisions (meetings) between substrates and enzymes.
  • Enzymes have an optimum temperature. Once this temperature is reached, the activity decreases.
  • Past a certain temperature, the active site changes shape, and the enzyme is denatured (loses its catalytic activity).
Illustrative background for pH (measure of acidity)Illustrative background for pH (measure of acidity) ?? "content

pH (measure of acidity)

  • Enzymes have an optimum pH (measure of acidity).
  • If the pH changes away from the optimum pH, then the enzyme activity decreases.
  • If the pH is too low or too high, then the enzyme is denatured and will not function.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium