How Does Optimum Temperature Affect The Activity Of Alpha Amylase

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Temperature and pH have large effects on the enzymatic activity of alpha amylase. This was determined by measuring the reaction rates by varying the temperatures and pH of a reaction.

Figure 1 indicates that as the temperature increases the reaction rate increases. When the reaction rate reaches its maximum level this indicates the optimum temperature. The optimum temperature is where the enzyme preforms at its highest capacity. The optimum temperature in relation to this experiment was 37°C. This is expected because this reaction takes place in the human body which has a temperature of 37°C. Below or above this temperature the enzyme loses its ability to function (Santhosh, (2016)).

Enzymes are only active over a slight pH range at this point it is where the reaction occur at its fastest. The optimum pH of the reaction is 6.8. pH-activity relationship with enzymes relies on having side chains of amino acids already existing in the enzyme (Rodillas et al. (no date)). The optimum pH differs from enzyme to enzymes and depending on the type of enzyme. Minor changes in pH above or below the optimum do not cause a permanent change to the enzyme as bonds can be reformed. If the change in pH is extreme then this can cause enzymes to denature and could lose their functions permanently (Boundless (2016)). …show more content…

(no date)). Ionic bonds can be affected by changes in charge. These ionic bonds contribute to the enzymes tertiary and quaternary structure. The proteins configuration and activity would thereby be changed (Rodillas et al. (no

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