Question

How does the hydrogen ion concentration affect enzyme activity?

Answer 1

Enzymes:

1. Enzymes are made with protein.
2. Enzymes act as catalysts.
3. These can increase the rate of reaction 100 to 1000 times.

The activity of enzymes:

1. The enzyme has a specific active site to bind with the substrate and convert it into the product.
2. The activity of enzymes can be affected by many factors such as temperature, pH, substrate concentration and concentration of the product.
3. Due to the concentration of H⁺ ions, pH is determined. Because of the increase in H⁺ ions pH is decreased and the medium becomes acidic.
4. A decrease in H⁺ concentration makes the medium basic and increases the pH.
5. Enzymes are sensitive to pH. A change in pH may cause the denaturation of enzymes.
6. Some enzymes are active in low pH conditions (acidic medium) such as enzymes of the stomach: pepsinogen, trypsinogen etc.
7. Some enzymes are active in the basic medium (high pH) such as pancreatic enzymes: chymotrypsinogen.
8. Some enzymes are neutral towards pH like urease enzyme.