How does enzyme activity vary with pH?
Activity is highest at the enzyme’s optimum pH and decreases as pH moves away from it.
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Biology 0970 (Extended) (2026–2028) · 5.1
Revise Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Biology 0970 (Extended) (2026–2028) specification point 5.1, Enzymes, with free active-recall flashcards. Flip through the set or review every question and answer below.
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How does enzyme activity vary with pH?
Activity is highest at the enzyme’s optimum pH and decreases as pH moves away from it.
Why can large changes in pH prevent a substrate from binding effectively to an enzyme?
They can alter the shape of the active site, so the substrate no longer binds effectively.
What does it mean for an enzyme to be denatured?
It has lost its functional shape.
How can the effect of pH on enzyme activity be investigated?
Measure the reaction rate at different pH values, keeping other conditions, including temperature, constant.