Question

State and explain three factors that affect enzymatic activities.

Answer 1

1. Temperature
   • Very low temperatures inactive the enzymes. Very high temperatures denature the enzyme. Therefore optimum temperature should be maintained for maximum enzyme activity.
2. pH value
   • Some enzymes act best in acidic or basic medium. Therefore optimum pH should be maintained for maximum enzyme activity.
3. Enzyme concentration-
   • When enzyme concentration is increased, the rate of enzyme activity also increases as long as there are enough molecules of the substrate.
4. Substrate concentration
   • When the substrate concentration is increased, the rate of enzyme activity also increases as long as there are enough molecules of the enzymes. Further increase of the substrate may not increase the rate as all the active sites of the enzymes will be occupied
5. Enzyme co-factor
   • They are the non-proteineous substances that activate the enzymes. Most enzymes will not work without co-factors. They are metallic ions.
6. Co-enzymes
   • They are organic non-protein molecules that work in association with enzymes. They are derived from vitamins.
7. Enzyme inhibitors
   • They are substances that slow down or stop enzyme activity if present. They fit into the active site of the substrate hence the enzyme has no chance to fit into the active sites.