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CONTROLLING ENZYMESEnzymes sometimes need to be controlled. Other times they are controlled because of poisons and contaminants. So what affects enzyme activity?
Temperature: That's a good one. Proteins change shape as temperatures change. Because so much of an enzyme's activity is based on its shape, temperature changes can mess up the process and the enzyme won't work.
Activators: Sometimes you need an enzyme to work faster and your body creates an activator. Other times you might eat something that acts as an activator. Activators make enzymes work harder and faster. If you're running in a race and you need more energy, get those enzymes to work! 
pH Levels: In the same way temperature changes the shape of proteins, the acidity of the environment does the same thing. Remember that the pH is a measure of acidity? An increased acidity near an enzyme can cause its shape to change. The enzyme could unravel and become totally ineffective.
Inhibitors: These are the opposite of activators. Inhibitors either slow down or stop the activity of an enzyme. They often bond to the protein, changing the overall shape of the enzyme. Remember, when the shape changes, the enzyme will not work the same way. A nasty example of an inhibitor is snake venom or maybe nerve gas from World War I. 
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Go for site help or a list of chemistry topics at the site map!©copyright 1997-2007 Andrew Rader Studios, All rights reserved. Current Page: Chem4Kids.com | Biochemistry | Enzyme Regulation |
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