Environmental factors play a big role in how cells work. They can affect things like how enzymes function, how strong cell membranes are, and how fast metabolism runs. Let’s break down some key factors and how they impact our cells:

1. Temperature:

   • Enzymes in humans usually work best between 37°C and 40°C.
   • If the temperature goes above 45°C, most enzymes can stop working properly.
   • There’s a rule called the Q10 rule. It says that if the temperature goes up by 10°C, the speed of chemical reactions can double.

2. pH Levels:

   • Every enzyme works best at a certain pH. For example, pepsin, which helps digest food, works best in the stomach at a pH of 1.5 to 2.0.
   • If the pH is too low or too high, enzymes may not work well. In extreme cases, they can stop working altogether.
   • Blood has to stay at a very specific pH, around 7.35 to 7.45. If it changes too much, it can cause problems like acidosis or alkalosis, which can affect how cells work.

3. Toxins:

   • Heavy metals like lead and mercury can stop enzymes from doing their jobs by sticking to them.
   • For example, cyanide can connect to a key enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase. This blocks the production of ATP, a critical energy source for cells, leading to cell death very quickly.
   • Pollution can also cause issues for cells by disrupting breathing and harming cell membranes.

In short, these environmental factors are really important for keeping cells healthy and functioning properly.