Question

List three conditions that would alter the activity of an enzyme. Be specific with your explanations. 1. Describe two different catalysts, and explain why they would be used in a chemical reaction. 2. What are the practical applications of using enzymes?

Answer 1

Ans 1 :

Enzymes are called as the biological catalysts of our body as they function to increase the rate of biochemical reactions.

So the conditions that alter the activity of enzyme are :

1) enzyme concentration

Increasing the enzyme concentration increases enzyme activity if the substrate is in excess

2) Temperature

Since enzymes are protein in nature , they work best in optimum temperature. Any increase in temperature will cause them to denature and low temperature will make them inactive to function.

3) pH :

pH also affects the enzyme activity to a great extent. Any increase or decrease in the optimal pH of the system affect the enzyme activity and hence the rate of reaction.