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
Answered by Masood H. Biology tutor

4666 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Name two ways in which meiosis produces genetic variation.


mRNA is used during translation to form polypeptides. Describe how mRNA is produced in the nucleus of a cell. (6)


Explain the formation of an action potential in a neuron


What is osmosis


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