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(a) (i) What is an enzyme? (ii) Name one factor that affects the rate of action of an enzyme. - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 14 - 2022
Question 14
(a) (i) What is an enzyme? (ii) Name one factor that affects the rate of action of an enzyme.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) (i) What is an enzyme? (ii) Name one factor that affects the rate of action of an enzyme. - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 14 - 2022
Step 1
What is an enzyme?
Answer
An enzyme is a type of protein that acts as a biological catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. Enzymes are crucial for various metabolic processes and function by lowering the activation energy required for reactions to occur.
Step 2
Name one factor that affects the rate of action of an enzyme.
Answer
One factor that affects the rate of action of an enzyme is temperature. As temperature increases, enzyme activity generally increases due to higher kinetic energy. However, excessively high temperatures can denature the enzyme, reducing its effectiveness.