How are Enzymes in a cell affected by temperature, ionic conditions, and pH?

Answer 1

Each type of enzyme has an optimal set of conditions (temperature, pH, ions, etc.) for maximum activity. The enzyme activity decreases if any of the parameters is higher or lower than optimal.

Answer 2

enzymes are made up of proteins, so temperature, pH, and other factors, when unfavorable to the enzymes causes a change in their configuration. THis is bad because the shape of the enzyme is supposed to be specific for another protein. In short, the enzyme loses its functional structure.

Answer 3

when temp is too high or too low, the enzyme cannot work.
if there exists heavy metal ion, the enzyme cannot work
pH? it depends. in stomach, the enzymes can bear low pH, it can work well in low pH.


most enzymes are made of protein, so they will have the same properties as proteins do.

Answer 4

enzymes fold the way that is most energetically stable. If you increase temp you are putting extra energy into the system so it can fold differently. Ions and pH can interfere with the same folding by occupying bonding sites that would normally pair together but are inhibited by excess H ions or other ions such as metals