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.

Answered by Masood H. Biology tutor

3874 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

In ecology, what does the phrase 'carrying capacity' refer to and what factors may determine it?


Could you describe the blood flow through the heart?


How does the pacinian corpuscle produce a generator potential?


How is the cardiac cycle regulated by the heart itself?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences