2006-11-12 12:29:06 · 6 answers · asked by dwn_with_luv 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Because that is typical human body temperature, and many enzymes are derived from, or are studied in the human body.
Some enzymes are able to handle very high temperatures, while others quickly denature (cook). Cold doesn't really affect the enzyme structurally, but at colder temperatures, the enzyme is not able to catalyze the reactions, which is its function, fast enough.
Or stated another way, 37 C is the temperature human enzymes, and many animal enzymes as well, are studied because that is where most of them function the best.
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2006-11-12 12:30:52 · answer #1 · answered by Favoured 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Enzymes are made up of proteins.When they are exposed to temperatures of above 40,they begin to disintegrate,just in the same way that plants wilt in hot water,or humans say 'ouch!' when exposed to a lot of heat and reach for the nearest ice pack.
Similarly,when the temperature goes below 30,the enxymes become inactive;they slow down.In fact,they slow down so much that they do not digest anything at all below 15C.Likewise,humans always prefer to stay indoors and sip their hot chocolate when the weather outside goes below the big zero.Unfortunately,enzymes can't drink hot chocolate(poor enzymes......)so they freeze up;literally.So between 30 to 40,the best temperature is obviously 35-37C.They stay nice and warm as if they are on a Hawaiian beach,doing what they do best.....
2006-11-12 12:38:33 · answer #2 · answered by The Gasconni 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The enzyme will most likely not become denatured. This is an optimal temperature for enzyme reactions.
2006-11-12 12:42:44 · answer #3 · answered by Lindsey M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at higher or cooler temperatues a lot of enzymes which are proteins loose their structural integrity and functional capailities. 37 is the body temperature at which a lot of reactions in the body takes place
2006-11-12 12:31:31 · answer #4 · answered by businessmom25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because this is the optimal temperature for enzyme.. if temperature is low - enzyme becomes inactive..and when temperature is high enzyme denaturates.
most enzymes are proteins.. think about egg white and what happens to it when you boil it..
2006-11-12 12:34:51 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Too cold and the molecules don't move. Too hot and the enzymes get denatured.
2006-11-12 12:30:20 · answer #6 · answered by Habester 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋