Question

The enzyme range present in the human body is 25-35°C. How is it possible they are working properly within the temp of 37°C as they are temperature specific? Thanks.

Answer 1

Factors affecting catalytic activity of enzymes:

Temperature:

As the temperature rises, reacting molecules have more and more kinetic energy. This increases the chances of a successful collision and so the rate increases. There is a certain temperature at which an enzyme's catalytic activity is at its greatest (see graph). This optimal temperature is usually around human body temperature (37.5 oC) for the enzymes in human cells.

Above this temperature the enzyme structure begins to break down (denature) since at higher temperatures intra- and intermolecular bonds are broken as the enzyme molecules gain even more kinetic energy.