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AAT Bioquest

What are the limitations of using enzymes?

Posted February 22, 2024


Answer

Enzymes are biological molecules - typically proteins - that act as catalysts. They speed up chemical reactions within cells by lowering the activation energy required for the reactions to occur. Limitations of using enzymes include: 

  • While enzyme specificity is an advantage for targeted reactions, it limits their use in certain processes. 
  • They are sensitive to changes in pH and temperature. Too high temperatures or extreme pH can denature or deactivate enzymes permanently. 
  • Enzymes are susceptible to degradation over time, which compromises their activity and efficiency.
Additional resources

Enzymes: principles and biotechnological applications

Enzymes

Amplite® Fluorimetric Coenzyme A Quantitation Kit *Green Fluorescence*