Explain why biological enzymes would stop working at temperatures higher than 45 degrees Celcius.

1. Biological enzymes are proteins, meaning they have specific shapes depending on bond interactions.

2. The active site of the protein is specific to a certain substrate (the thing being broken down).

3. At temperatures higher than body temperature, the proteins start to lose their structure, as the molecules get too excited.

4. This changes the shape of the active site.

5. The substrate can no longer fit into the active site and therefore the enzyme does not work.

MH

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how the sinoatrial node (SAN) ensures that oxygenated blood enters the aorta.


What happens during an action potential?


Describe key structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.


Explain how sucrose is transported from the phloem to the sieve tube element. (5)