Several factors influence enzymatic catalysis, including:
- Temperature: Enzymes have an optimal temperature range within which they function most efficiently. - pH: The activity of enzymes is also pH-dependent, with each enzyme having an optimal pH. - Substrate Concentration: Higher substrate concentrations typically increase the reaction rate until the enzyme becomes saturated. - Inhibitors: Molecules that decrease enzyme activity by binding to the enzyme can either be competitive inhibitors, which bind to the active site, or non-competitive inhibitors, which bind elsewhere on the enzyme. - Cofactors and Coenzymes: Some enzymes require additional non-protein molecules or metal ions to be active.
