What generally happens to enzyme activity when temperature increases?

When temperature increases, enzyme activity generally exhibits an increase until a certain threshold is reached. This is because higher temperatures typically provide the enzymes with more kinetic energy, which can result in more frequent and effective collisions between enzymes and substrate molecules. The increased movement can enhance the rate of reaction as the substrates are more likely to enter the active site of the enzyme.

However, this increase in activity occurs only up to an optimal temperature range, typically between 37°C and 40°C for many human enzymes. Beyond this threshold, the structure of the enzyme can become destabilized due to the heat, leading to a loss of activity. This process is termed denaturation, where the enzyme's three-dimensional structure is altered, preventing it from binding substrates effectively. Thus, while initial increases in temperature can enhance enzyme activity, it is essential to recognize that excessive heat can lead to a decline in activity due to denaturation.