Skip to main content
Ch. 5 - Microbial Metabolism
Chapter 5, Problem 5.3a

DRAW IT An enzyme and substrate are combined. The rate of reaction begins as shown in the following graph. To complete the graph, show the effect of increasing substrate concentration on a constant enzyme concentration. Show the effect of increasing temperature.
<IMAGE>

Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by understanding the relationship between enzyme concentration and substrate concentration. Enzymes catalyze reactions by binding to substrates, and the rate of reaction depends on the availability of both.
Consider the Michaelis-Menten kinetics, which describe how the rate of reaction changes with varying substrate concentrations. Initially, as substrate concentration increases, the rate of reaction increases proportionally.
Identify the point of saturation where all enzyme active sites are occupied by substrate molecules. Beyond this point, increasing substrate concentration further will not increase the rate of reaction, as the enzyme is working at its maximum capacity (Vmax).
Next, consider the effect of temperature on enzyme activity. Enzymes have an optimal temperature range where they function most efficiently. Increasing temperature generally increases reaction rates up to a certain point, as it provides more kinetic energy to the molecules.
However, if the temperature exceeds the enzyme's optimal range, the enzyme may denature, losing its functional shape, which decreases the reaction rate. Illustrate this by showing an initial increase in reaction rate with temperature, followed by a decline as the enzyme denatures.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
1m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Enzyme-Substrate Interaction

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy. They bind to specific substrates at their active sites, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This interaction is crucial for understanding how changes in substrate concentration can affect the rate of reaction, as more substrate typically increases the likelihood of enzyme binding, up to a saturation point.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:49
Enzyme-Substrate Complex

Michaelis-Menten Kinetics

Michaelis-Menten kinetics describes the rate of enzymatic reactions as a function of substrate concentration. It illustrates how reaction velocity increases with substrate concentration until it reaches a maximum velocity (Vmax) when the enzyme is saturated. This model helps predict how varying substrate levels influence the reaction rate, which is essential for completing the graph in the question.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:04
Introduction to Energy

Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity

Temperature significantly impacts enzyme activity, as it affects molecular motion and the kinetic energy of the molecules involved. Generally, increasing temperature enhances reaction rates up to an optimal point, beyond which enzymes may denature and lose functionality. Understanding this relationship is vital for illustrating how temperature changes can alter the reaction rate in the provided graph.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:18
Enzyme Activation Energy
Related Practice