Question

Explain the factors affecting the enzymatic activity

Answer 1

Hint: Enzymes or as they are commonly known as the biological catalysts are large protein molecules and are responsible for speeding up the chemical reaction taking place within a biological cell.

Complete answer:
The factors affecting the enzymatic activity are as follows –
>As soon as the enzyme concentration increases, there is a proportional increase in the reaction velocity, i.e. as the enzyme concentration is increased the reaction velocity is also increased.
>For a given enzyme concentration, enzymatic reaction rate increases proportionately with the substrate concentration until a certain limit is attained. Once the limit is attained, the reaction rate remains stable.
>As the enzymes are made out of proteins, they are extremely sensitive to thermal changes. The optimal temperature of enzymes is 37 degrees Celsius, below or above this temperature, the enzymes are inactivated.
>Enzymes contain both carboxylic acids (acidic) and amino groups (basic) which makes them sensitive to the pH changes.
>Some of the enzymes are in constant need of certain inorganic metallic cations such as Zinc, Cobalt, etc for exhibiting their optimum activity.
>They are sensitive to the presence of activators and inhibitors. If inhibitors are present, the enzyme does not bind to the substrate, thereby inhibiting the reaction.

Note:The various advantages of using enzymes are,
>Enzymes are used to fasten the rate of the reaction
>They are substrate specific
>They are biodegradable
>They have a wide range of use in dairy, textile, detergent industries