LIFE SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Optimum temperature is the temperature at which enzyme activity is maximum. In humans, this temperature is 37.5oC that is same as the normal body temperature. A rise in temperature above 40oC results in denaturation of the proteins of enzyme.

Detailed explanation-2: -Because most animal enzymes rapidly become denatured at temperatures above 40°C, most enzyme determinations are carried out somewhat below that temperature. Over a period of time, enzymes will be deactivated at even moderate temperatures. Storage of enzymes at 5°C or below is generally the most suitable.

Detailed explanation-3: -Because enzymes are proteins, they are denatured by heat. Therefore, at higher temperatures (over about 55°C in the graph below) there is a rapid loss of activity as the protein suffers irreversible denaturation.

Detailed explanation-4: -While higher temperatures do increase the activity of enzymes and the rate of reactions, enzymes are still proteins, and as with all proteins, temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, 40 degrees Celsius, will start to break them down.

Detailed explanation-5: -Temperatures above 40°C appear to denature the enzyme catalase. The temperature and the pH at which enzymes function are extremely important. Most organisms have a preferred temperature range in which they survive, and their enzymes function best within that temperature range.