How Does Denaturation Affect The Rate Of An Enzyme Catalyzed Reaction
Enzymes are globular proteins that are synthesized by the ribosomes in a cell. They act as catalysts during biological reactions; therefore, enzymes are able to speed up these reactions without undergoing a permanent change themselves. These proteins are able to do this by lowering the activation energy of a reaction. To add on, enzymes require specific conditions under which they can work best. Reactions occur at faster rates when the temperature is higher. However, the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction is reduced or can be stopped if the temperature becomes too high. This is due to the fact that enzymes become denatured at high temperatures. Denaturation occurs when the shape of an enzyme is altered and so loses it ability to function.