Effect of Temperature and pH on Enzyme Activity

Vocabulary flashcards covering the effects of temperature, pH, denaturation, and optimal conditions on enzyme-controlled reactions.

Kinetic energy

The energy particles have that increases as temperature rises, making particles more likely to collide and have enough energy to react.

Active site

The region on an enzyme that binds to the substrate; it changes shape when high temperatures or extreme pH break the bonds holding the enzyme together.

Denatured

The state of an enzyme whose active site has changed shape so drastically that the substrate can no longer fit or bind, resulting in permanent loss of catalytic function.

Optimum temperature

The specific temperature at which the rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction is at its highest (such as $37^\circ$ in the presented example).

pH

A measure of acidity; if it becomes too high or too low, bonds holding the enzyme together break and lower the rate of reaction.

Optimal pH

The pH level at which an enzyme works best, which depends on the specific environment where the enzyme normally functions.

Neutral pH (Body enzymes)

A pH of around $7$, which is the optimal pH where most enzymes in the human body work best.

Stomach enzyme optimal pH

An optimal pH of around $2$, which allows enzymes to function specifically within the stomach's acidic environment.