What happens to enzymes at extreme temperatures?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms, and their activity is highly dependent on the temperature of their environment. At extreme temperatures, particularly elevated ones, enzymes typically denature. This means that the three-dimensional structure, which is crucial for their catalytic activity, begins to unravel.

Enzymes are composed of proteins, and their functions are inherently linked to their specific shapes. When the temperature exceeds an optimal range, the increased thermal energy can disrupt the hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and other interactions that maintain the enzyme's structure. As a result, the active site may become deformed, preventing the enzyme from binding its substrate effectively. This loss of structural integrity is what leads to a decrease or complete loss of enzyme activity, highlighting the importance of stable temperature conditions for their function.

In contrast, enzymes react differently under normal or somewhat elevated temperatures, where they may become more active due to increased kinetic energy leading to more frequent collisions with substrates. However, once the temperature goes beyond a certain threshold, denaturation occurs, irrevocably damaging the enzyme's functionality.