Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

19. Enzymes

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

GOB Chemistry

19. Enzymes

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

Previous problemNext problem

4:42 minutes

Problem 70

Textbook Question

Why do enzymes function only under mild conditions?

Verified step by step guidance

Enzymes are biological catalysts made of proteins that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are highly sensitive to their environment because their structure determines their function.

Enzymes function under mild conditions (e.g., physiological temperature, pH, and pressure) because their three-dimensional structure, or conformation, is stabilized by weak interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.

Extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or extreme pH levels, can disrupt these weak interactions, leading to denaturation. Denaturation is the process where the enzyme loses its specific shape, and as a result, its active site is no longer functional.

The mild conditions in which enzymes operate are optimal for maintaining their structure and ensuring that the substrate can bind to the active site effectively, allowing the enzyme to catalyze the reaction efficiently.

In summary, enzymes function only under mild conditions because their delicate structure is essential for their activity, and harsh conditions can irreversibly damage their ability to catalyze reactions.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Enzyme Structure and Function

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required. Their specific three-dimensional structure, which includes an active site, is crucial for binding substrates and facilitating reactions. This structure is sensitive to environmental conditions, which can affect enzyme activity.

Optimal Conditions for Enzyme Activity

Enzymes typically function best under mild conditions, such as moderate temperatures and neutral pH levels. Extreme conditions can lead to denaturation, where the enzyme's structure is altered, resulting in loss of function. Understanding these optimal conditions is essential for maintaining enzyme activity in biological systems.

Biological Relevance of Mild Conditions

Mild conditions are biologically relevant because they align with the physiological environments of living organisms. Enzymes evolved to operate efficiently within these parameters, ensuring that metabolic processes occur without causing damage to cells. This adaptation is vital for sustaining life and maintaining homeostasis.

Watch next

Master Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Refer to the graph in problem 16.45 to determine if the reaction rate in each condition will be at the optimum rate or not.

<IMAGE>

a. trypsin, pH 5.0

710

views

Textbook Question

Adults who are lactose intolerant cannot break down the disaccharide in milk products. To help digest dairy food, a product known as Lactaid can be added to milk and the milk then refrigerated for 24 hours.

<IMAGE>

b. What might happen to the enzyme if the Lactaid were stored at 55 °C?

907

views

Textbook Question

Fresh pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain that hydrolyzes peptide bonds in proteins.

<IMAGE>

a. The directions for a gelatin (protein) dessert say not to add fresh pineapple. However, canned pineapple where pineapple is heated to high temperatures can be added. Why?

919

views

Textbook Question

Fresh pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain that hydrolyzes peptide bonds in proteins.

<IMAGE>

b. Fresh pineapple is used in a marinade to tenderize tough meat. Why?

760

views

Textbook Question

Trypsin, a peptidase that hydrolyzes polypeptides, functions in the small intestine at an optimum pH of 7.7 to 8.0. How is the rate of a trypsin-catalyzed reaction affected by each of the following conditions?

a. changing the pH to 3.0

662

views

Textbook Question

How would the following changes affect enzyme activity for an enzyme whose optimal conditions are normal body temperature and physiological pH?

a. raising the temperature from 37 °C to 60 °C

505

views

Textbook Question

The enzyme urease functions in the body to catalyze the formation of ammonia and carbon dioxide from urea as shown:

Describe what effect the following changes would have on the rate of this reaction assuming a steady state has been reached:

a. adding excess urea

442

views

Textbook Question

Pepsin, an enzyme that hydrolyzes peptide bonds in proteins, functions in the stomach at a pH optimum of 1.5 to 2.0. How is the rate of a pepsin-catalyzed reaction affected by each of the following conditions?

a. increasing the concentration of proteins

858

views

Show more practices

Download the Mobile app

Privacy

Do not sell my personal information

Accessibility

Patent notice

Sitemap