Exercise: Enzymes, Temperature, and pH

Data Table: Enzymes and Temperature.

A. Describe the relationship between temperature and the enzymatic activity of lactase. Of the three temperatures tested, which is the optimal temperature for enzyme activity? Use the results in Data Table to support your answer. Hypothesize how the structure of the lactase relates to the results in Data Table. At low temperatures, molecules move so slowly that reactions rates are hindered even though the enzyme is still folded and active.  At high temperatures, bonds and interactions that exist between the amino acid side chains in an enzyme become disrupted.  The enzyme is not able to keep its shape and unfolds and becomes inactive. It is now denatured.  The optimal temperature for enzyme activity is room temperature.  At room temperature the glucose concentration was at it's highest.