Question

Explain the function of enzymes and how enzymes can be denatured.

Answer 1

Answer:

They speed up chemical reactions and are denatured by high temperatures and high pH.

Explanation:

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions. They have specifc conditions that allow them to work effectively. Temperature and pH affects how enzymes work. The optimum temperature is the temperature at which enzymes will function best. In most instances they are around 37-40°C (in the human body). Temperatures above this will denatured (destroy) the enzymes therefore they cannot do their task. At Temperatures below the optimum temperature the enzymes activity is decreased to the point where they may not be active.

Optimum pH is the pH at which the enzymes works best. These vary based on the type of enzyme. Any pH above the optimum will denatured the enzymes (destroy). pH below the optimum will decrease the ezymes activity to the point where they may not be active