FACTORS AFFECTING ENZYME ACTIVITY

 There is an optimum temperature at which enzymes function best – generally around 40 degrees  But why the gradual build and drop off? TEMPERATURE

 Normal body temp is around 37 degrees  Above that temperature and the proteins that make up the enzyme begin to denature i.e. break down  Below that temp and the molecules are not moving at an optimum speed for the reaction to take place! TEMPERATURE

 pH (or the scale of acidity) also has a bell shaped curve  In highly acidic or basic environments enzymes do not function as well PH

 The optimum pH is around 8  Any more basic or acidic and enzymes can be broken down or denatured and begin to loose their function. PH

 The substrate (in our lab the H2O2) can vary within the body/cell based on a number of conditions  This will cause an increase in enzyme activity…. To a point! SUBSTRATE CONCENTRATION

 At some point, which will vary based on the other factors, the rate of reaction will not increase any further.  All of the enzymes are saturated or being used. SUBSTRATE CONCENTRATION

 As the enzyme concentration increases the rate of reaction increases.  This is true provided there are enough substrate molecules to continue to react with. ENZYME CONCENTRATION

 For instance, if there was always enough peroxide to react with, adding more catalase would increase the rate of reaction indefinitely ENZYME CONCENTATION