Factors affecting enzyme action

What are 4 factors that affect enzymes

Temperature pH enzyme concentration and substrate concentration

Covalent modification

Activity of some enzymes is controlled by other enzymes

How do enzymes function 

They must physically collide with their substrate 

Temperature

If the temp is too low there is not enough kinetic energy for successful collisions between enzyme and substrate

If the temp is too high enzymes denature, the active site changes shape because tertiary structure bonds break and enzyme- substrate complexes cannot form

pH

Too high or too low pH will interfere with the changes in the amino acids in the active site - this can break the bonds holding the tertiary structure in place and therefore the active site changes shape

The enzymes denature and fewer enzymes- substrate complexes form

Substrate and enzyme concentration

If there is insufficient substrate then the reaction will be slower as there will be fewer collisions between the enzyme and substrate

If there are insufficient enzymes then the enzyme active site will become saturates and unable to work any faster

When the enzymes on the active site are saturated

The rate stops increasing