What Factors Affect the Rate of Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions?
Several factors influence the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions:
1. Substrate Concentration: As substrate concentration increases, the rate of reaction increases until it reaches a saturation point where all enzyme active sites are occupied. 2. Enzyme Concentration: Increasing enzyme concentration generally increases the reaction rate, provided there is an excess of substrate. 3. Temperature: Each enzyme has an optimal temperature at which it functions most efficiently. Deviations from this temperature can lead to decreased activity or enzyme denaturation. 4. pH Levels: Enzymes also have an optimal pH range. Extreme pH values can lead to enzyme denaturation and loss of activity. 5. Inhibitors: Molecules that decrease enzyme activity can be classified as competitive or non-competitive inhibitors.
