Question

Briefly describe the factors affecting enzyme activity.

Answer 1

Hint: Enzyme is a substance that acts as a catalyst, regulating the rate at which chemical reactions proceed without itself being altered in the process. These occur naturally in living organisms. In humans, the enzymes catalyze all aspects of cell metabolism.

Complete step by step answer:
Several factors are affecting the enzyme activity:
The concentration of enzyme: With an increase in enzyme concentration, the activity of the enzyme increases. An increase in enzyme activity leads to more frequent conversion of substrate into product.
The substrate concentration: As the substrate concentration increases, the enzyme activity increases, until a maximum limit is attained. After which no more sites are available for more substrate molecules to bind to the enzyme.
Temperature: An Optimum temperature range is needed for the maximum efficiency of the enzyme. Temperatures higher than the optimum temperature or lower than the optimum temperature leads to a reduction in enzyme activity.
pH: An optimum pH is required for the maximum activity of the enzyme. Enzymes cannot function under different pH conditions. For example, pepsin acts in an acidic pH only.
Activators: Certain metal ions act as activators and are necessary for optimum enzyme activity. These are also known as coenzymes. E.g., the chloride ion is needed for amylase to function.

Note:
- Many diseases such as albinism and phenylketonuria may result from the deficiency of a particular enzyme.
- Enzymes have valuable industrial and medical applications. Some of the examples are fermenting of wine, the leavening of bread, curdling of cheese, and brewing of beer have been practiced since old times.
- All enzymes are considered as protein molecules, which is composed of one or more amino acid chains called polypeptide chains.