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An enzyme is a type of protein that acts as a catalyst in biochemical reactions. It helps to speed up the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.
Enzyme activity can be affected by various factors such as temperature, pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and the presence of inhibitors.
Enzymes have an optimal temperature at which they function best. As temperature increases, the rate of enzyme activity also increases until it reaches the optimal temperature. Beyond the optimal temperature, the enzyme structure begins to denature and the activity decreases.
Enzymes also have an optimal pH at which they function best. Changes in pH can cause the enzyme to denature and lose its shape, affecting its ability to bind to substrates and catalyze reactions.
Increasing the concentration of substrates can increase the rate of enzyme activity up to a certain point. Beyond this point, the enzyme becomes saturated and adding more substrate will not further increase the activity rate.
