Nutrition in Humans:

Lesson 4
Enzymes
 BIG IDEA…

Concept: Relationships
1. Relationships may change over time.

Recall:

Q: What does a line graph tell you?

A: Shows how two variables are related to each other.

A graph is a way of representing how biological processes

change in different conditions.
Lesson 4:
• Relationship between enzyme action and
different factors

• Denaturation – Loss of enzyme function

• Overview of enzymes and their functions

 Worksheet 4

View the simulation of enzyme action.

• Draw a line graph to represent how enzyme

action is related to TEMPERATURE
Enzymes are Affected by Temperature
Enzymes are inactive at very low temperatures.
The kinetic energy is low at low temperatures.
Hence, chances of substrate molecules colliding with
enzymes are very low.
Rate of
reaction
(enzyme
activity)

0 optimum Temperature
temperature
 Enzymes are Affected by Temperature
As the temperature rises, enzyme activity increases.
The increase in the kinetic energy of molecules increases
the chance of collision between substrate and enzyme
molecules.
This increases the rate of formation of enzyme-substrate
complex.
Rate of
reaction
(enzyme
activity)

optimum
0 Temperature
temperature
 Enzymes are Affected by Temperature
The optimum temperature is the point when the rate of
reaction is highest and the enzyme is most active.
The optimum temperature for different enzymes varies.
For most enzymes, the optimum temperature is about 40-
45oC.
Rate of C
reaction
(enzyme
activity)

0 optimum Temperature
temperature
 Enzymes are Affected by Temperature
Beyond the optimum temperature, the enzyme activity
decreases.
High temperature breaks the bond within the enzyme and
changes its 3-D shape.
The active site of the enzyme loses its original shape.
The enzyme is now denatured.
Rate of
reaction
(enzyme
activity) D

0 optimum Temperature
temperature
 Worksheet 4

View the simulation of enzyme action.

• Draw a line graph to represent how enzyme

action is related to pH
 Enzymes are Affected by pH
Different enzymes have different optimum pHs, at which
they are most active.
Extreme changes in pH denature the enzyme and
cause it to lose its function.

URL
 Worksheet 4

View the simulation of enzyme action.

• Draw a line graph to represent how enzyme

action is related to enzyme concentration
 Worksheet 4

View the simulation of enzyme action.

• Draw a line graph to represent how enzyme

action is related to substrate concentration
Denaturation
Since the specificity of an enzyme is due to its 3-D
shape, any factor that would cause the enzyme
to change shape will affect its function.
The change in 3-D shape of an enzyme or any
protein is known as denaturation.
Denaturation can be caused by:
– Heat (extremely high temperatures)
– Chemicals such as acids and alkalis
Denaturation
When an enzyme is denatured, there is loss or
change in the active site.
The substrate can no longer fit into the enzyme’s
active site.
Hence, no reaction can take place.
substrate

denature
substrate
active site

folded protein with denatured protein

intact active site (active site is lost)
BIG IDEA…

Concept: Relationships
Relationships may change over time.

Enzyme activity may vary due to different factors,

such as temperature, pH, substrate and enzyme
concentration.
Overview of Enzyme and their
Functions

What reactions do enzymes catalyse?

Building up of complex substances

Also known as anabolic reactions (e.g. condensation)
For example, building proteins from amino acids

Break down of complex substances

Also known as catabolic reactions (e.g. hydrolysis)
For example, breakdown of glucose during respiration
How are enzymes named?

The name of an enzyme usually

shows the substance on which the enzyme acts on

ends in ‘ase’

An example is the enzyme maltase, which acts

on maltose.
Digestive enzymes

Examples of digestive enzymes include:

– Amylase: Digests starch to maltose
– Maltase: Digests maltose to glucose
– Protease: Digests proteins to amino acids
– Lipase: Digests fats to fatty acids and glycerol
Digestive enzymes are hydrolytic enzymes (i.e.
causes hydrolysis to occur)
How are enzymes classified?

Enzymes are classified according to the

chemical reactions they catalyse.
Hydrolases – hydrolytic reactions
Examples of hydrolases includes
Proteases that digest proteins
Lipases that digest lipids
Applications of Enzymes