Effect of Temperature and pH on Enzyme Activity

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions in cells. They are proteins, and each one has a specific shape and function.
Enzyme activity is affected by temperature and pH. Each enzyme works best at a specific temperature, called its optimum temperature, and a specific pH, called its optimum pH.
As temperature rises, enzyme activity generally increases. This is because heat provides energy for collisions between molecules, which can initiate reactions.
However, a temperature that is too high can cause an enzyme to denature or lose its shape, rendering it unable to catalyse reactions. This process is irreversible.
Similarly, each enzyme has an optimum pH. If the pH is too low (too acidic) or too high (too alkaline), the enzyme can also denature.
Denaturation occurs when the bonds that hold the enzyme in its specific shape break down. When an enzyme denatures, its active site changes shape, so the substrate can no longer fit, stopping the reaction.
It is vital to note that flagging temperatures and inconsistent pH levels in the human body can have a significant effect on bodily functions due to the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions.
Living things have adaptations to stabilise their internal temperatures and pH levels, to keep enzymes working efficiently. For example, humans maintain an internal temperature of about 37°C, which is the optimum temperature for many enzymes in the human body.
The body also has buffers to maintain a constant pH in different parts of the body, for example, the stomach has a low pH (acidic) for enzymes that digest proteins, while the small intestine has a higher pH (alkaline) for enzymes that work in basic conditions.
In-cell biology, understanding the effect of temperature and pH on enzyme activity can help in comprehending how cells control their metabolic processes. Moreover, this understanding has applications in real-world situations like brewing, baking, and the production of cheese and yoghurt, where specific temperatures and pH are maintained to optimise the activity of the enzymes involved.
Overall, the rate of enzyme-controlled reactions is influenced heavily by temperature and pH. Therefore, deviations from optimum conditions could potentially hinder the progression of vital biological processes.

Remember to revise and understand these points clearly for your biology lessons or when reviewing your school materials. Having a good grasp of this topic will aid in answering questions related to cells, enzymes, and the movement across membranes in a biology context.