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AAT Bioquest

How does temperature affect enzyme activities?

Posted April 12, 2023


Answer

Temperature is one of the critical factors that impacts enzyme activities. Generally, as the temperature increases, so does the level of enzyme activity. This is because higher temperatures increase the velocity and kinetic energy of molecules. The faster velocities increase the collisions between molecules, which increases the rate of the reactions. Maximum activity is achieved at the optimum temperature for that enzyme. Every enzyme has its own optimum temperature. As the temperature continues to rise beyond the optimum range, there’s a sharp decrease in the rate of enzyme activity. When enzyme’s experience temperatures beyond the optimal range, the enzyme will start to unravel or denature, resulting in a decline in activity.

Additional resources

On the Temperature Dependence of Enzyme-Catalyzed Rates

Enzymes

Amplite® Fluorimetric Proteasome 20S Activity Assay Kit *Green Fluorescence*

Amplite® Fluorimetric Acetylcholinesterase Assay Kit *Red Fluorescence*