Enzyme action

How do enzymes work?

• The molecules that enzymes work on are called substrate molecules. Enzymes catalyse the change of substrate molecules into product molecules better at some temperatures than others so the rate of the reaction is faster 

• Enzymes don't work well above or below an optimum (best) value. This is partly why the processes in your body don't work as well when you have a fever
• Enzymes often also work best at optimum pH. Most enzymes in cells work best at about pH 7, but enzymes in the digestive system have to work well at much higher or lower pHs 

• The rate of reaction catalysed by an enzyme will also increase as the concentration of substrate increases but only up to a point. Beyond that concentration, there is no further change in reaction rate. 
• This is because the enzyme cannot work on…