How would an increase in body temperature affect enzymes?

Answer 1

In general, increased temperature will increase the activity of an enzyme. However, this is a general trend. For one thing, eventually, if you increase temperature enough you will reach a point at which the protein which makes up the enzyme will begin to denature (unfold). When this happens, the enzyme can no longer be active. Almost all enzymes have an "optimal" temperature. For example, most human derived enzymes will function best at around 37C (body temperature) but this is not always true. Temperature can have other effects as well. Enzymes perform their work on what is called a substrate. The substrate may also be affected by temperature. For example, there is an enzyme commonly used in molecular Biology called ligase. Ligase joins to pieces of DNA together. Obviously the natural temperature for ligase to operate in humans is 37C, but in the lab, when we use ligase we often perform the reaction at a much lower temperature (14-16C). The reason for this is that at higher temperatures, the double stranded DNA starts to melt (separate into single strands) which makes it more difficult for ligase to work. At lower temperatures, the DNA stays double stranded making it easier for ligase to work.

Answer 2

Initially, an increase in temperature will increase the rate of reaction - and the enzyme should be able to catalyse the reaction faster. However, past a certain point, which is different for different enzymes, the shape of the enzyme will change. This is known as denaturing, and means the enzyme will not be able to catalyse the reaction efficiently (or at all).

Answer 3

An increase in body temperature can denature enzymes by disrupting their shape and function. This can lead to a decrease in enzyme activity and impact the overall metabolism of the organism. Extreme changes in temperature can also lead to irreversible damage to the enzyme structure.

Answer 4

When enzymes are heated, it will be denatured causing it to slow down or even cnnot perform it's function.

Answer 5

it loses its shape ( this is called denaturation) and is unable to bond with its substrate.

Answer 6

Usually when there is a temperature increase enzymes become more active because you are adding energy to a system. If the temperature rises too high, however, these enzymes will denature.

Answer 7

Any significant change in conditions (including temperature) can cause a protein (enzymes are a type of protein) to denature, or fold differently so it won't do its specific job anymore.

Answer 8

Enzyme activity increases from 0 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius and decreases at higher temperature.

Answer 9

denaturing.