Which of the following are factor(s) that affect an enzyme's ability to catalyze reactions?

Which of the following are factor(s) that affect an enzyme's ability to catalyze reactions?

polio

concentration of oxygen

folic acid

pH and temperature

1 answer

The factors that affect an enzyme's ability to catalyze reactions include:

  1. pH - Enzymes have an optimal pH range in which they function most effectively. Deviations from this range can lead to decreased activity or denaturation of the enzyme.

  2. Temperature - Enzymes also have an optimal temperature for activity. Increased temperatures can enhance reaction rates to a point, but excessive heat can denature the enzyme, rendering it inactive.

  3. Concentration of substrates (not listed) - While not in your list, the concentration of substrates is also a critical factor, as higher concentrations can increase the rate of reaction until saturation is reached.

The other options provided:

  • Polio and folic acid do not directly affect an enzyme's catalytic ability in general terms. Polio is a virus, and while folic acid is a vitamin that plays a role in various biological processes, it is not a direct factor influencing enzyme activity.

In summary, the key factors from your list that affect enzyme activity are pH and temperature.