Which of the following factors can influence enzyme activity?

Prepare for the UCF BSC2010C Biology I Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your exam!

Enzyme activity is significantly influenced by temperature, pH, and substrate concentration, which is why this choice is the correct one.

Temperature affects enzyme activity because all enzymes have an optimal temperature range where they function most effectively. At lower temperatures, the reaction rate may decrease due to molecules having less kinetic energy, leading to fewer collisions between the enzyme and substrate. Conversely, at high temperatures, enzymes can denature, losing their functional shape and resulting in decreased activity.

pH is another critical factor because enzymes are sensitive to the acidity or alkalinity of their environment. Each enzyme has an optimal pH range where its activity is maximized. Deviations from this optimal pH can lead to changes in the enzyme structure or charge, affecting substrate binding and overall activity.

Substrate concentration also plays a vital role. As the concentration of substrate increases, the rate of the reaction will typically rise until a point of saturation is reached, where all enzyme active sites are occupied and further increases in substrate concentration will not affect the reaction rate. Understanding these factors is crucial for manipulating enzyme activity in various biological and industrial processes.

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