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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.