Optimum
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Optimum refers to the conditions (temperature and pH) in which an enzyme functions most efficiently.
About Optimum Conditions
- In optimum conditions an enzyme will catalyse a reaction at its fastest possible rate.
- If the temperature becomes too high or the pH goes far beyond the optimum then the enzyme will denature and will never work again.
- If the temperature becomes too low the reaction will slow down, but the enzyme will not be denatured so once the temperature increases again the enzyme will continue to function.