Pulling an allnighter, so any info would be extremely appreciated!!~ x
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Ok basically, an enzyme has an *optimum* at which it will work best. So it has an optimum ph and an optimum temperature. There will be a min and a max at which the enzyme will work too, but anything above or below that will *denature* the enzyme (eg change the shape) and so it will not be able to do its job anymore.
So for example, the optimum temperature for most human enzymes is 37 degrees C. (normal body temperature). There is a range above and below that the enzymes will work, but they will reach a temperature (both below 37 and above 37) where they will not work anymore - this is part of the reason you can freeze to death!!
Your body needs enzymes to help essential reactions to take place, and without them, the reactions Wont happen.
The same idea is for a change in ph. At a certain ph, they will stop working.
Some enzymes hve their optimum ph as VERY acidic, where as others have it at slightly basic. The optimum temperature and ph varies for different enzymes.
Hope that helps you understand!! Good luck tomorrow :)
So for example, the optimum temperature for most human enzymes is 37 degrees C. (normal body temperature). There is a range above and below that the enzymes will work, but they will reach a temperature (both below 37 and above 37) where they will not work anymore - this is part of the reason you can freeze to death!!
Your body needs enzymes to help essential reactions to take place, and without them, the reactions Wont happen.
The same idea is for a change in ph. At a certain ph, they will stop working.
Some enzymes hve their optimum ph as VERY acidic, where as others have it at slightly basic. The optimum temperature and ph varies for different enzymes.
Hope that helps you understand!! Good luck tomorrow :)