Question

what conditions affect an enzymes ability to function at optimal potential? 1. substrate binds 2. 3. using the picture to the right, explain how an enzyme works.

Explanation:

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. Their optimal function is affected by factors like temperature (extremes can denature them), pH (each enzyme has an optimal range), and enzyme - substrate concentration (saturation can occur). As for how an enzyme works, the substrate binds to the active site of the enzyme, forming an enzyme - substrate complex. This lowers the activation energy of the reaction, facilitating the conversion of substrate to product.

Answer:

1. Temperature: Extreme temperatures can denature enzymes.
2. pH: Each enzyme has an optimal pH range.
3. Enzyme - substrate concentration: Saturation can affect function.

An enzyme works by the substrate binding to its active site, forming an enzyme - substrate complex which lowers the activation energy for the reaction, converting substrate to product.