Question

Are enzymes destroyed by high heat?

Answer 1

Enzymes:

1. Enzymes are mostly proteins that catalyze various biochemical reactions. The catalytic reaction occurs through a specific region (active site) where the substrate bind.
2. Enzymes show the highest activity at a specific temperature called ‘optimum temperature’.
3. High heat destroys enzymes. Enzymes are protein molecules that get denatured at high temperatures.
4. High heat breaks hydrogen and ionic bonds leading to disruption in enzyme shape. The enzyme loses its activity and can no longer bind to the substrate.
5. Certain enzymes synthesized by bacteria and archaea that grow exposed to high temperatures are thermostable. They are active even at temperatures above 80°C and are called hyper thermophilic enzymes. For example- thermophilic lipase is active at a high temperature.