Enzymes being affected by pH

How does pH affect enzyme function and the shape of an enzyme's active site?

Change in pH can alter the shape of an enzyme’s active site. If this happens, the substrate will no longer fit

What is pH?

How acidic or alkaline a solution is on a scale of 0-14. 0 is very acidic, 14 is very alkaline, and it depends on the number of hydrogen ions in the solution.

Why can changes in pH cause an enzyme to stop working effectively?

Changes in pH can denature the enzyme, altering the shape of its active site so the substrate no longer fits

Describe the effect of pH on enzyme activity

Each enzyme has an optimum pH at which it works best. Activity decreases above or below this pH because the active site changes shape.

How can pH changes alter an enzyme's active site?

Changes in pH can disrupt bonds within the enzyme and alter the active site

What is the aim of the enzyme pH practical?

To investigate how pH affects the rate of enzyme activity.

What is the independent variable in the enzyme pH practical?

The pH of the reaction mixture.

What is the dependent variable in the enzyme pH practical?

The rate of enzyme activity (how quickly the reaction occurs)

What variables should be controlled in the enzyme pH practical?

Temperature, enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, and volume of solutions.

How is the enzyme pH practical carried out?

The enzyme and substrate are mixed at different pH values, and the rate of reaction is measured

What is used to create different pH conditions in an enzyme experiment?

Buffer solutions

What is an enzyme's optimum pH?

The pH at which the enzyme works at its maximum rate.

What happens to enzyme activity when the pH moves away from the optimum pH?

The rate of enzyme activity decreases.

Why does enzyme activity decrease at very high or very low pH values?

The active site changes shape, making it harder for the substrate to bind

What can happen to an enzyme at extreme pH values?

The enzyme can become denatured

How does a change in pH affect the active site of an enzyme?

It can alter the shape of the active site, preventing the substrate from fitting properly.

What graph would you expect for enzyme activity against pH?

A peak at the optimum pH, with activity decreasing on either side.