Temperature weaves a tale of rise and fall in the life of enzymes. In the warmth of perfect heat, they dance with grace, their motions quick, their bonds precise. At optimal temperatures, enzymes operate efficiently, accelerating biochemical reactions by facilitating the interaction between substrates and active sites. As temperature rises, molecular movement increases, leading to a faster reaction rate. However, if the temperature becomes too high, enzymes can denature—losing their specific structure and, consequently, their catalytic activity. This results in a decline in reaction rates or complete inhibition. Conversely, at temperatures below the optimal range, enzyme activity slows down because molecular movement diminishes, reducing the frequency of enzyme-substrate collisions. Thus, maintaining an appropriate temperature is essential for maximizing enzyme efficiency and ensuring proper biochemical function. Through a simple experiment the Grade 10 students were able to understand the effect of temperature on the activity of enzymes.
