Question

What are two main factors that affect how well enzymes work?

Group of answer choices

The specific molecule that an enzyme will react with

Temperature and pH (acidity)

Inhibitors

Reduce the amount of activation energy needed to start a reaction

Answer 1

The two main factors that affect how well enzymes work are:

1. **Temperature and pH (acidity)** - Enzymes have optimal temperature and pH ranges where they function best. Deviations from these conditions can affect enzyme structure and function, potentially leading to reduced activity or denaturation.

2. **Inhibitors** - These are substances that can decrease enzyme activity. They can bind to the enzyme and prevent it from catalyzing the reaction, impacting how effectively the enzyme works.

While the specific molecule an enzyme reacts with is important for enzyme specificity, and reducing activation energy is a general function of enzymes, the most direct factors affecting how well enzymes work are temperature and pH, as well as the presence of inhibitors.