Chapter 6, Problem 22A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The factors that can influence enzyme activity.

Introduction:

Enzymes (protein) are biological catalysts. They decrease activation energy, allowing reactions to proceed in a right direction. They do not affect the chemical reaction they are involved in.

Explanation of Solution

Enzyme activity can be affected by several of factors like temperature, pH, and concentration. Enzymes work best within specific temperature and pH ranges, and sub-optimal conditions can cause an enzyme to lose its capacity to bind to a substrate. Because their activity is dependent on the folding of a protein, they are usually affected by the temperature, pH, and substrate concentration of that environment where they work in.

Conclusion

Several factors affect the rate at which enzymatic reactions occur - temperature, pH, enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, and the presence of any inhibitors or activators.