How Temperature Affects Enzymes
Temperature significantly influences the rate at which enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions. As temperature increases, molecules gain kinetic energy, move faster, and collide more frequently, which generally increases the reaction rate up to a certain point.
Section 2: Optimal Temperature
Every enzyme has an optimal temperature at which it functions most efficiently. At this temperature, the enzyme's three-dimensional shape is ideal for binding with its specific substrate. For most enzymes in the human body, the optimal temperature is around 37°C (98.6°F).
Section 3: Denaturation at High Temperatures
If the temperature rises too far above the optimum, the bonds that maintain the enzyme's specific protein structure are disrupted. The enzyme begins to unfold and lose its shape, a process called denaturation. This permanently alters the active site, making the enzyme non-functional.
Section 4: Reduced Activity at Low Temperatures
At very low temperatures, enzyme activity slows down considerably. The enzyme and substrate molecules have less kinetic energy, reducing the frequency and force of their collisions. Unlike denaturation, this effect is typically reversible; the enzyme's activity is restored when the temperature is raised back to the optimal range.