Explain the effect of temperature and pH on enzyme-catalysed reactions:

The rate of reaction typically increases with temperature, as heat provides kinetic energy and more substrate-enzyme collisions. however, going above a certain temperature will cause enzymes to denature and lose its shape. When this happens, the substrate can no longer fit into the active site and therefore there will be less enzyme-induced reactions, making the overall reaction slower.
The optimum pH depends on the enzyme, e.g. enzymes in the stomach will work best at lower pH, whilst intestinal enzymes work best at higher pH. Going much higher or lower than an enzyme's optimum pH will cause the reaction to slow down as it gets denatured, causing less enzyme-substrate reactions.

AK
Answered by Abdullah K. Biology tutor

7879 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Synapses are an important part of the nervous system. What is a synapse? Describe how information passes through a synapse.


Describe how animals and plants are adapted to survive in dry conditions such as deserts:


What are the functions of the substances in the blood?


Compare the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic 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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning