Question

Do enzymes differ from chemical catalysts with regard to temperature?

Answer 1

Ans. Yes.

The following differences can be expected –

#I. Most of the enzyme, the biocatalysts of living system, exhibit maximum reaction velocity in temperature range of 20-40⁰C.

Most of reactions catalyzed by chemical catalyst often require much elevated temperatures. For example, hydrogenation of oils in presence of Ni-catalyst is carried out at around 150.0⁰C.

#II. An increase in temperature generally increases the rate of chemical-catalyzed reactions. However, increase in temperature of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction above the optimal temperature decreases rate of reaction due to denaturation of enzyme.