CBSE Class 12-science Answered

CHARACTERISTICS OF ENZYMES:

• Enzymes alter or speed up the rates of chemical reactions that occur in a cell.
• Enzymes remain unchanged after the reaction.
• They are affected by pH and temperature.
• They may sometimes require co-enzymes for their action.
• They catalyse reversible reactions.

FACTORS AFFECTING ENZYME ACTIVITY:

• Temperature-
• By increasing the temperature, the enzyme activity is increased from its inactive state.
• The enzyme is most active at its optimum temperature.
• At high temperatures, the enzymes are denatured and they lose their activity.

• pH-

• By increasing the pH, the enzyme activity is increased from its inactive state.
• The enzyme is most active at its optimum pH.
• At high pH, the enzymes are denatured and they lose their activity.
• Some enzymes work best at neutral pH.
• Some enzymes work best at acidic pH.
• Some enzymes work best at basic pH.